The Political System of Saudi Arabia PDF

The Political System
of Saudi Arabia
Prof. Abdullah Al-Turaiqi

All Rights Reserved for Publisher
Ghainaa Publications
Fax:+966 (1) 2295019
[email protected]
First Edition 2008

In the Name of Allah
Most Gracious, Most Merciful
of Saudi Arabia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Prelude ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Chapter 1: Objectives and Purposes ........................................................ 14
Chapter 2: Features and Characteristics................................................ 19
Chapter 3: Foundations and Rules ............................................................. 22
Chapter 4: The Form of Governing System ................................... 38
Chapter 5: General Authorities of Government ......................... 42
Chapter 6: Rights and Duties ............................................................................ 56
Chapter 7: The Nature of the Ruler-Subject

Relationship ............................................................................................................................ 78
Chapter 8: Monitoring and Inspection ................................................ 80
Chapter 9: Freedoms ................................................................................................... 86
Chapter 10: Woman ...................................................................................................... 94
Conclusion: Comparison between the two Systems ............. 99
Endnotes ....................................................................................................................................... 109
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Preface
More than 1400 years have passed since the revelation

of Islam, during which it has established a magnificent
civilization that for many years brought happiness to
mankind.
For a number of reasons however, this civilization has
seemingly dwindled. Some seem to think it has perished,
died, and become a never to be repeated relic of history;
they consider the natural alternative and successor to
this to be Western civilization, with its materialist global
ideology. However, this is a fallacy as the fact remains that
Islam has maintained all its pillars and therefore remains,
theoretically, robust and dynamic enough to contend with
and relate to reality.
The Saudi state, established in the mid 12th Hijri century
and continuing till the present day, is an extant proof of
this. This state has maintained its pillars and principles
whilst concurrently deploying all measures and processes
relevant to contemporary civilization.
We present this model to the reader not as a nostalgic
link to history, but rather because its origins and principles
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stem from the timeless Islamic shari’ah, whose relevance

never depletes. As Leopold Weiss (Muhammad Asad (d.
1992)), said: “The rules of this shari’ah were formulated
in a way that no rule would contradict with the original
nature of man and the significant requirements of human
community at all places and times.”1
It is a model that is built upon this classic and enduring
system and which adds to that a unique variety of
contemporary modernity that influences and interacts with
reality and benefits from all that is modern, positive and
beneficial, without adopting westernization or integration
with the other.
It is a model that exerts all efforts in realizing Islam and
reviving its principles and civilization without claiming
perfection or infallibility.
Sufficient proof for the rectitude and suitability of this
model is the fact that it is a beacon of light in an era of
diversity and challenge replete with secularism, atheism
and materialist conflict.
Despite the practicality and applicability of Islam, it
is true that there will always be shortcomings between its
theory and application. This is such because man is, by his
very nature, erroneous and has limited capabilities, even if
he combined his efforts. Notwithstanding this, we present
the Islamic system as that which is the finest and most
suitable.
We hope that the reader would join us, with objectivity
and sincerity, in searching for the truth and reality,
wherever and whatever it is, and regardless of whether
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it has an increasing number of opponents or competing

viewpoints. Such a search, we wish, would be an
optimistic one and not a pessimistic one that prejudges
the Islamic civilization as one of aggression and evil, as
portrayed by Samuel Huntington in his book The Clash of
Civilizations.
The fact that the Islamic governmental model, like other
models, has substance and profile, is best demonstrated
when we present it, as we are doing in this work, in
comparison and contrast to comparative jurisprudence. The
substance is the bases, principles, values and legislation
upon which the system stands, which are found within the
pages of this study, and which remain constant despite the
ever changing condition of people and their customs.
The profile consists of the patterns, mechanisms and
means of which the system consists of, such as: relations
between authorities, administrative practices, shoura
(consultation) and so forth, and these are subject to change,
according to welfare and situation.
We hope, dear reader, that this brief study about the
system of governance in Islam and its modern application
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be of interest to
you.
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Prelude
Literally, Islam means submission, peace and salvation.

The Islamic religion is the absolute submission to God
according to the heavenly revelations.
Thus all Prophets, peace be upon them, came with
the same essentials of belief: belief in God’s Existence
and Unity, final destruction, Resurrection and Judgment
etc., as well as common pillars such as worshipping God,
paying zakat and abiding by noble values.
Each prophethood differed in terms of details of
rules and duties. Islam, which was revealed to Prophet
Muhammad, is the most comprehensive of all these
forms.
This was clearly stated in the Holy Qur’an: “This day
have I perfected your religion for you. Completed My
favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your
religion.” (5:3)
Once a Jewish man read this verse and then came to
the second Muslim Caliph, Umar bin Al-Khattab, and
said to him: “O the ruler of the believers! There is a verse
in your Holy Book which is read by all you (Muslims),
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and which, had it been revealed to us, we would have

taken the day (on which it was revealed) as one of
celebration.” Umar asked: “Which verse is that?” The
man replied: “This day have I perfected your religion for
you.” Umar then said: “I swear by God that I know the
day and the hour it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
It was on a Friday and on the night of ‘Arafat (i.e. the
Day of Hajj).”2
From the attributes of perfection that this unique
religion has, is that it is one of absolute comprehensiveness:
comprehensiveness of time (from its revelation to Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him, until the Day of Judgment),
comprehensiveness of place (its applicability in any place
on earth), comprehensiveness of its human application (on
body, brain, psyche and soul) and comprehensiveness on
life’s affairs (in terms of the religion and of the secular).
Hence we can say that Islam is a combined set of rules
and legislation. There is the system of faith and ideology,
the system of worship, and the system of people’s mutual
dealings, in addition to other systems such as that of ethics,
sociology, politics, management etc. All this serves to
confirm Islam as a comprehensive, integrated way of life.
Many orientalists have acknowledged this fact. Here
are some examples:
1- Dr. Fitzgerald: “Islam is not a religion only, it is a
political system too.”
2- Dr. Schacht: “Islam means more than a religion; it
also represents legal and political theories and to sum up,
it is a comprehensive system of culture that covers religion
and state together.”
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3- Sir Thomas Arnold: “The Prophet (Muhammad) has

been a religious leader as well as the leader of state.”
4- Gibb: “And hence it appeared clearly that Islam
is not mere individual religious rituals; it requires the
establishment of an independent society with a special
way of ruling with its own rules and laws.”3
Our study will solely deal with one of these systems,
namely that of government and politics. Before discussing
this topic, we ask some preliminary questions:
What is the reality of this system?
What form does it take, and is there any relationship or
resemblance between it and other contemporary political
systems?
What are the fundamentals it stands upon? What are the
goals and objectives that this system works to achieve?
How has this system emerged?
Is it merely theories, or has it realistic application?
What are the authorities of the state and what is the
relationship between these authorities?
What is the relationship between the ruler and his
subjects, and what are the rights and duties of both?
Is there any jurisdiction over the state’s policy, and
how?
How is freedom understood, and what are its limits?
What is the position of woman in Islamic policy
making?
This study attempts to answer all these questions in light
of the texts of the Islamic shari’ah and its contemporary
application in the governmental system of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.
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Chapter (1)
Objectives and Purposes
All things advance due to the nobility of their goals,

and any state will prosper solely due to this nobility of
purpose and aim.
As people differ in their aims and purposes as they do
in their levels of nobility, ration and logic dictate that
God is best to command, and His Wisdom and Will are
infinitely ahead of those of His creatures. Moreover, God
has sent His prophets for the sole reason of the happiness
of mankind in this life and the Hereafter.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “The
prophets ruled over the children of Israel. Whenever a
prophet died, another prophet succeeded him, but there
will be no prophet after me.”
If the prophets have therefore ruled their nations,
their seal, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, has
comprehensively led his nation in all matters related to
this life and the Hereafter and has initiated very clear
objectives within an established political system, as
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mentioned in the prelude.

The objectives that the Islamic system of governance
aims to realize need expounding upon, especially given
the fact that these objectives cannot be separated from
the objectives that the prophets sought to achieve. These
objectives can be summarized as follows:
1- Ensuring justice
God Almighty says: “We sent aforetime Our apostles
with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and
the balance (of right and wrong), that men may stand forth
in justice.” (57:25).
This entails that the ultimate objective of the prophets is
to stand firm for justice.
2- Guiding to good and warning against evil

God says: “(They are) those who, if We establish them in
the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity,
enjoin the right and forbid wrong. With God rests the end
(and decision) of (all) affairs.” (22:41).
3- Preserving the religion through statement and

advocating
This is done via statements by explaining the rights

of non Muslims, clarifying the principles and virtues of
Islam, and detailing the rights of Muslims, as required.
Advocating Islam is done via two means:
The first is through proof and evidence by refuting
the accusations and insinuations of those who seek to
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attribute falseness and evil to Islam.

The second is through the use of force, when necessary,
and this is a legitimate right according to all laws and
religions.
4- Execution of verdicts
That is to implement verdicts according to the shari’ah
law, without any alteration or negligence.
5- Giving due care to others’ rights

Which are in fact general interests that Islam has ratified,
and this is of three categories:
a- Necessities associated with religion, soul, mind,
family and wealth.
b- Man’s needs in this life and the Hereafter, the lack of
which leads to difficulty or harm.
c- Ameliorations that are considered as virtues and
noble values.
6- Arranging the affairs of life

This is done in any manner that is in the interest of
people and where its virtue overcomes its vice.
7- Preservation of public order

This is the most important objective and principle as
it is only when there is maintenance of public order that
life can move in a systematic and secure way. With the
absence of this order, chaos prevails.
These then are the objectives and principles that Islam
aims to achieve through its political system.
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If we were to look for these objectives within the

Saudi system of governance, we would find them clearly
represented in theory as well as in application.
The theoretical base lies in the laws.
Article (1) of the “Basic Law of Governance” states:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab, Islamic state;
its religion is Islam and its constitution is the Holy Qur’an
and the Sunnah (Prophetic sayings and deeds). Arabic is
its language and Riyadh is its capital.”
This article includes seven paragraphs detailing the
State’s identity, objectives and principles.
Article (9) states: “The family is the kernel of Saudi
society, and its members shall be brought up on the
basis of the Islamic faith, and loyalty and obedience to
God, His Messenger, and to guardians, respect for and
implementation of the law, and love of and pride in the
homeland and its glorious history.”
Article (13) states: “The purpose of education is to instill
the Islamic faith in the younger generation, providing its
members with knowledge and skills and preparing them
to become useful members in the building of their society;
members who love their homeland and are proud of its
history.”
Whoever looks at the practical and applied aspect will
notice these aims, particularly in areas that have specific
shari’ah characteristics such as the judiciary, education,
administration, the affairs of da’wah (Islamic propagation),
fatawa (Islamic legal opinion), hisbah (promotion of
virtue and prevention of vice) and so forth.
The judiciary aims to make justice prevail and maintain
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human rights and public order.

Education, at all levels, instills the Islamic faith and its
values in the younger generation.
Administration aims at the realization of benefits and
management of life’s affairs.
Da’wah targets the uprightness of individuals,
communities, the state and all other nations whether
by an open discourse for all or by addressing each case
separately.
Fatawa solves people’s problems and issues on
all affairs that require an Islamic shari’ah verdict or
opinion.
Hisbah is a social control apparatus that remedies moral
errors and visible Islamic violations.
Thus, the exploits and practices of the state are very
clearly meaningful and noble in objective.
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Chapter (2)
Features and Characteristics
The Islamic political system is distinguished by a

number of features and characteristics. The most important
of them are as follows:
1- The fundamentals and rules are from God:
The fundamentals on which this system is based
are shoura (consultation), justice, the pledge of
allegiance, obedience and responsibility. These are
all derived from their source, which is the revelation
of God to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad,
peace be upon him.
This was stated in the following verses from the Holy
Qur’an:
“And consult them in the affairs.” (3: 159).
“God commands you to render trusts to whom they are
due and when you judge between people to judge with
justice.” (4: 58).
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“O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger

and those in authority among you.” (4: 59).
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Every
one of you is a guardian and every one of you is liable (for
his responsibilities).”
2- This is an ideological and intellectual system, and
not merely an earthly and legal one.
This system is based on the fact that God is the
Commander and Legislator; both the ruler and the ruled
are subject to His Divine shari’ah.
To reiterate our point, this system is based upon two
great pillars:
The first: The system is Islamic as it is based on the
Islamic shari’ah.
“And this (He commands): judge between them by what
God has revealed and do not follow their inclinations and
beware of them, lest they tempt you away from some of
what God has revealed to you.” (5:49).
The second: The ruler administering this system should
be a Muslim. God states: “O you who believe! Obey God
and obey the Messenger and those in authority among
you.” (4: 59).
Obedience here is confined to the Muslim ruler. A
non-Muslim would have a separate faith and ideology,
and would thus be non-indigenous to this system. It
would, thus, be irrational and impractical to have him
rule a nation that differs with him in faith and ideology,
or for him to rule with a shari’ah that he does not even
believe in.
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3- The permanent correlation and inseparable nature of

worldly affairs and those of religion
All matters, be it individual or community, or man’s
relationship with his God, or with himself, or with his
society and homeland, or with his environment, are
governed by God’s shari’ah.
4- This is an ethical system on which relations between
its constituents, relations between constituents and the
state, and relations between the state and other states,
are based on deep-rooted moral values such as integrity,
sincerity, counsel, mercy, respect and reciprocal trust,
justice, virtue and fulfillment of undertakings, and trust.
5- It is a system that combines appliance of the
general with the elucidation of the specific; the aggregate
fundamental regulations such as justice, consultation, the
pledge of allegiance and obedience, are encapsulated and
applied in various methods, depending upon situation and
circumstance.
At the same time, the system includes intrinsic
elaboration in areas such as rights and responsibilities.
Again, the specific shari’ah rules, which are to be applied
in civil, criminal, commercial, financial and other areas,
are stated in details in the shari’ah.
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Chapter (3)
Foundations and Rules
The Islamic system of governance is based on solid and

deep-rooted pillars, which are in fact indistinguishable
from the foundations of the religion itself.
They can be categorized into three types:
1- Ideological
2- Constitutional
3- Moral
The First Type: Ideological Foundations

1- Istikhlaf (vicegerency), which is for two main
purposes:
The first is that God alone be worshipped.
The second is to develop and reconstruct the earth.
This concept has been confirmed in the Holy Qur’an in a
number of verses, such as:
“And when your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create
a vicegerent on earth.’ They said: ‘Will you place upon it
one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while
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we declare Your praise and sanctify You?’ He (God) said:

‘Indeed, I know that which you do not know.’” (2: 30).
“And it is He who has made you (His) agents, inheritors
of the earth.” (6:165).
Thus the existence of man on earth is according to what
God has decided and according to His wisdom.
This vicegerency entails that man has to organize
his political and administrative life according to divine
legislation, which was revealed by God to His Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him, and can only be attained
by believing in this legislation, as revealed to Muhammad,
the Messenger of God.
This type of vicegerency has been mentioned in several
verses of the Holy Qur’an:
“God has promised those who have believed among you
and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them
succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted
it to those before them and that He will surely establish
for them [therein] their religion which He has preferred
for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after
their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating
anything with Me.” (24: 55).
2- Man’s responsibility
If God has created this universe and sent man as His
vicegerent on earth, then there is, no doubt, a great wisdom
behind this, as God, would not create anything in mere
jest.
This vicegerent should then be responsible and
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trustworthy, for these responsibilities and entrustments

are immense in magnitude.
This has been highlighted in the Holy Qur’an:
“We did indeed offer the trust to the heavens and the
earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it,
being afraid thereof: but man undertook it; he was indeed
unjust and foolish.” (33:72).
“O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and
those before you, that you may become righteous.” (2: 21).
This responsibility has two given times: this life and the
Hereafter.
Some responsibilities are undertaken in this life, others
in the Hereafter, and a third in both, depending upon its
type, volume and liability.
3- Legislation is for God

Believing that God is the sole Creator and the One who
guarantees the means of living and disposition necessitates
that He should also therefore be the sole Legislator of all
man’s affairs, in matters related to what is lawful and
what is forbidden, and what is correct and what leads to
corruption. This is clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:
“Legislation is not but for God. He has commanded that
you worship not except Him.” (12:40).
“Unquestionably, His is the creation and the
command.” (7:54).
4- Honoring the Human

The entire life system in Islam, including the political
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system, is based upon this concept which is an Islamic

philosophy that is inextricably linked to its faith. In the
Holy Qur’an, God says: “We have certainly honored the
children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea
and provided for them of the good things and preferred
them over much of what We have created, with [definite]
preference.” (17:70).
Man is therefore the creature addressed and entrusted in
Islamic legal and organization discourse.
5- Unity of the Muslim Ummah (Nation)

The international community can be divided into
three loops, each linked with one another: small,
medium and large.
The small one represents the state and its subjects. The
medium one represents communities and people who have
mutual beliefs and objectives, like the Islamic faith, which
assembles all Muslims.
The large circle represents the entire human race.
Communication and cooperation is a characteristic of
human nature because man is a social being by nature,
and cooperation and communication between Muslims
is, in fact, a matter that is ordered by Islam. God says
in the Holy Qur’an: “The believers are but a single
brotherhood.” (49:10).
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion
and sympathy are just like one body. When one of its
limbs is afflicted, the whole body responds to it with
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wakefulness and fever.”

This solidarity is not aimed at dissenting against other
communities, nor does it wish to take their rights, but rather
it is for the sake of creating the ideal, moral, strong-willed
society that is concerned with the affairs of mankind in its
entirety.
The Second Type: Constitutional Foundations

These denote foundations of a political and constitutional
nature. In general terms, they are:
1- Fairness and equity

The specific meaning of fairness here is righteousness,
moderation and equality. Fairness can be categorized as
being of two types: fairness as dictated by ration, and that
dictated by the shari’ah.
Rational fairness is what the mind indicates, and through
which each who has a right is granted it.
Shari’ah-based fairness is what is specified by the
Islamic shari’ah such as set penalties, the law of equality,
distribution of inheritances and so forth.4 These are
constitutional rules that must be followed, as verses
from the Holy Qur’an indicate; God says: “Indeed, God
orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives.”
(16:90).
And: “Say: ‘My Lord has ordered justice.’” (7:29).
2- Shoura (Consultation)
Consultation is the exchange and review of views, as
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no party could otherwise receive that which it does not

have.5 The political position of consultation, as Ibn Atiya
Al-Andalusi (d. 542H.)6 said, is: “(It is) one of the rules
of the shari’ah and of the strictest laws of the religion.”
In the Holy Qur’an, God states: “Those [who believe are
those] who have responded to their Lord and established
prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation
among themselves. And from what We have provided
them, they spend.” (42:38).
3- Bay’ah (Pledge of allegiance)

This is a contract, which includes offer and acceptance
between two parties, one being the representative or
deputy of the people, and the other being the prospective
political ruler.
The first party is obliged to listen and obey in all matters
of virtue as well as give all its due support while the second
party has to rule with fairness and righteousness.
Muslim scholars have mentioned several conditions for
the validity of this contract. They are as follows:
a- The one selected for ba’yah must meet the Islamic

requirements of imamah (leadership).
b- The one who concludes the bay’ah contract must be
a leading figure in religious as well as wordly affairs.
c- The consent of the two parties.7
4- Listening and obeying in all that which is good.
Listening means understanding while obeying means
compliance and submission. This means that such
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compliance and submission only come after understanding

and awareness, and thus it is an awareness-based obedience
rather than a blind one. Moreover, it is obedience only in
that which is good and not in matters that violate the rules
of God and His Messenger.
Verses from the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah refer
to this:
“O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger
and those in authority among you.” (4: 59).
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “Indeed,
obedience is only to what is good.”
Many other texts have confirmed this rule. The reason
for having so many texts on the subject was that large Arab
as well as non-Arab communities had been living in chaos
before Islam and did not abide by obeying a leader, so
these texts came to accustom people to follow a system.
This serves to refute the absurd allegations of some
orientalists who have stated that Islam is a religion of
blind obedience.
5- State responsibility
Responsibility is a trust. It is the trait of being
answerable and being responsible for one’s conduct.
The state, represented by its officials, is responsible for
its duties and behaviors. Any good work or behavior is to
be appreciated and any wrongdoing must be corrected and
be something that the state is liable for.
As for accountability, then this is something that can
take place in this life as well as in the Hereafter.
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Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Every

one of you is a guardian and every one of you is liable (for
his responsibilities).”
It is known in the shari’ah as well as in man-made
legal systems that the state bears full responsibility for the
errors of its employees.
The Third Type: Ethical Foundations

These are the foundations upon which the attitude and
behavior of individuals, communities and the state are
based.
Those characteristics which proceed according to ration,
instinct, and the shari’ah such as honesty, faithfulness,
generosity, courage, benevolence, leniency, firmness and
sincere advice are commendable by God as well as by
people, whereas what runs contrary to instinct, ration,
and the shari’ah such as dishonesty, perfidy, stinginess,
cowardice, abuse, aggression, violence, unfairness and
deceit are dispraised by God as well as by people.
The following are some of the principles that should
govern the relationship between the ruler and the ruled:
1- Advice, which is the sincere desire that the advised

attain all forms of goodness. Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him, said, “Religion is advice.”
2- Forbearance, which is facilitation and leniency

in dealing with others. Prophet Muhammad, peace be
upon him, said, “Whenever forbearance is added to
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something, it adorns it; and whenever it is withdrawn

from something, it leaves it defective.’’
3- Mutual respect between the ruler and the ruled,

in such a way that each party respects the other.
God says in the Holy Qur’an, narrating the wise
Luqman’s advice to his son: “And do not turn your cheek
[in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the
earth exultantly. Indeed God does not like everyone self-
deluded and boastful.” (31:18).
Shared trust between the ruler and the ruled entails
having sincerity and transparency prevail between them
without any mistrust or eavesdropping.
Whenever such trust is prevalent, tranquility, calmness
and security exist, and people focus their efforts on work
and production. However, if mistrust spreads, it is anxiety,
fear and disorder that prevail.
The preceding discussion was a brief presentation of
the pillars upon which the Islamic political system is
based, but how does this relate to the Saudi system of
government, and to what extent are these foundations
inculcated in this system?
While there can be no doubt that these foundations
were fully adopted during the era of the four righteous
caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali bin Abi Talib
(i.e., those who succeeded the Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him), those rulers who came after them varied in
their degree of application of these bases.
If we look at how the Saudi state has applied these, we
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will note that since its establishment in 1743 by Imam

Muhammad bin Saud (d. 1764) and Muhammad bin Abdul
Wahab (d. 1790), the Saudi state has endeavored to adopt
the model of the Islamic state that flourished during the
prosperous era of the first centuries of Islam.
We believe that it has largely succeeded in this attempt,
and this success has been recognized by a number of
orientalists.
American scholar Lothrop Stoddard, while writing
about the life of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab and his
meeting with Prince Muhammad bin Saud in Diriyyah
(on the outskirts of Riyadh), said, “He spent many years
travelling from one place to another in the Arabian
Peninsula preaching his call among people until, after
strenuous effort, he succeeded in having Muhammad bin
Saud, a senior emir (ruler) of Najd, accept his call. By
this bin Abdul Wahab gained a noble position that enabled
him to fulfill his objectives. A religious and political entity
similar to the one established by the Messenger of Islam
was then found in all of the Arabian desert.”
As a matter of fact, the methodology adopted by bin
Abdul Wahab was very similar to that adopted by the
righteous caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar, and when bin
Abdul Wahab passed away, his followers followed in his
footsteps and continued the tradition.8
If we move to the modern Saudi state - the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia - we would face no difficulty in
acknowledging its reality and seeing to what extent it has
adopted the aforementioned pillars.
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Let us start with the establishment of the Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdul Aziz in 1932:
King Abdul Aziz vowed from the very outset to renew
the da’wah (Islamic call) that was revived by Imam
Muhammad bin Saud and Imam Muhammad bin Abdul
Wahab. By applying the Islamic shari’ah, King Abdul
Aziz demonstrated that he was fully convinced that the
call of these two imams was to what the early Muslims had
adhered to. In this regard, he said, “My constitution, my
law, my system and my dictum is the religion of Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him, either to live a happy life
or die a happy death.”9
He also said, “I am a caller to the faith of the early
Muslims.”10 He also said, “The strategy that I have followed
is to apply the shari’ah, and my duty is to develop the
Arabian Peninsula and adopt all means that would make
it a developed country, while at the same time abiding by
the Islamic shari’ah.”11
When he travelled to Hejaz in 1923 in order to merge it,
he said, “I am travelling to Makkah not to conquer it, but
rather to lift the injustices and debts that have consumed
the people. I am going to Makkah to spread the provisions
of the shari’ah there, and from now on there will be no
authority there except that of the shari’ah.”12
This shows King Abdul Aziz’s keenness in applying the
Islamic shari’ah, regardless of the costs and sacrifices.
He exerted great efforts in realizing this by nominating
upright personalities for leading and guiding positions,
creating official shari’ah institutions, (such as the hisbah
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[the commission for the promotion of virtue and prevention

of vice], fatawa, the judiciary, shari’ah institutes and
colleges, and many others) as well as the large scale
printing and distribution of books of Islamic heritage.
What gave impetus to King Abdul Aziz’s keenness was
the religious desire and commitment of Saudi society,
a society that abides by the principles of the Islamic
shari’ah.
If we compare the era of King Abdul Aziz to the
contemporary one in Saudi Arabia, even though more than
half a century has passed, we will find that the two eras are
remarkably similar with regard to the spirit of the state and
its adherence to the Islamic shari’ah. The only variation
has been in terms of mechanisms, forms and means.
If we look at the constitution of the modern state, the
picture will be very clear. Note the following examples
from the Basic Law of Governance:
Article (9) states: “The family is the kernel of Saudi
society, and its members shall be brought up on the basis
of the Islamic faith, and loyalty and obedience to God,
His Messenger, and to guardians.” In Article (13) we read:
“The purpose of education is to instill the Islamic faith in
the younger generation.”
Article (25) states: “The state strives for the achievement
of the hopes of the Arab and Islamic nation for solidarity
and unity of word, and to consolidate its relations with
friendly states.”
In Article (26), we read: “The state protects human
rights in accordance with the Islamic shari’ah.”
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He who examines the broad policy of the Saudi state

will recognize its intellectual depth, which is based on
precision of thought, faith and validity of direction.
We have two examples that support our statements on
this; they are the education policy and the information or
media policy. The two reflect the valid assessment of any
state or government.
The following are paragraphs from the two policies:
First: The Education Policy:

1- Paragraph (1) of the education policy reads: “The
education policy in the Kingdom emanates from Islam,
which is the religion that the nation adopts as a faith in
terms of worship, morals, the shari’ah ruling system, and
an integrated system of life, and this is an essential part of
the general policy of the government.”
Among the main fundamentals of education are the
following:
- Belief in God, in Islam as the religion, and Muhammad
as God’s Messenger and Prophet.
- That the message of Prophet Muhammad is the most
correct and suitable course for a virtuous course of life
that attains true happiness for mankind and saves it from
corruption and misery.
- Belief in honoring the human, as stated in the Holy
Qur’an.
- That the Islamic sciences are key subjects in all
primary, intermediate and secondary schools, and that
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Islamic culture is a main subject in all higher education

institutions.
- Respect of all common rights guaranteed and protected
by Islam.
3- About the purpose of education, the Saudi education
policy states:
“The purpose of education is to understand Islam
correctly and comprehensively, to instill and disseminate
the Islamic faith, and to provide students with Islamic
values, instructions and eminent principles.”
Second: The Media Policy:

Here are excerpts of some paragraphs of this policy:
“The Saudi media shall abide by Islam in all that it
releases. It shall maintain the faith of the early Muslims
and put aside anything that runs contrary to the shari’ah.”
(Article 1).
“The Saudi media shall resist and disclose the falsity
of destructive movements, disbelieving trends, hostile
philosophies, and attempts that aim at diverting Muslims
from their faith.” (Article 2).
“The Saudi media shall continue serving society by
disseminating the meaning of the noble Islamic values
and consolidating its fine Arabic traditions.”(Article 3).
This was a summary of the Ideological foundation in
the era of the Saudi state. The constitutional foundations
(justice, equity, shoura, bay’ah (the pledge of allegiance),
listening and obeying in what is good, and state
responsibility, occupy a huge area in the Basic Law of
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Governance.
Article (8) states: “The rule in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia is based on the premise of justice, consultation,
and equity, in accordance with the Islamic shari’ah.”
While Article (6) states: “Citizens shall pledge
allegiance to the King in accordance with the Holy Qur’an
and the Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet), in submission
and obedience, in times of ease and difficulty, fortune and
adversity.”
It is true that these foundations can be applied in
different forms. Shoura, for instance, can be applied in
several modes and can be realized without establishing
shoura councils. This can be made through seeking the
advice of learned elders and ulama (Muslim scholars)
in problematic and ambiguous matters, similar to what
happened during the era of the righteous caliphs. It can
also, of course, be applied by establishing shoura councils
that have binding or non-binding decisions.
These foundations with their various applications are
rather like a multi-story building whose foundations and
pillars are built and whose architect or owner then begins
to make changes in the distribution of its rooms, aisles,
doors, windows and decor. These cosmetic changes can
be made whilst retaining the fundamental structure.
The moral foundations (such as integrity, sincerity,
counsel, mercy, mutual respect and reciprocal trust), are
noble values and individuals, communities and states are
expected to differ in their application of these. Indeed,
few would be able to apply these values in totality, so it
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would be problematic, to say the least, to claim that any

individual or party is fully abiding by these values, or
totally lacking them for that matter.
Many people combine values with their opposite; one
may deceive and counsel, be peaceful and violent, and hold
a mix of good and evil opinions, depending on situation
and circumstance. Such people join good acts with evil
ones, and indeed most Muslims belong to this category.
This is a fact of life.
However, how and where does one find the noble
aforementioned values and morals in the real world?
We believe that they exist and that many government
departments practice them, although they may not be
visible by those who are on the outside looking in. While
it is a fact that non-acceptable behavior may be exhibited
by certain officials, if this leads to his whole department
being branded as deficient then this would be far from
being a fair assumption.
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Chapter (4)
The Form of Governing System
Dr. Muhammad Farouq Al-Nabhan, in his book:

The System of Governance in Islam (P.66) categorizes
governments into several different types:
First: With regard to their subject to law, governments
are divided into two types:
Dictatorship: The autocratic rule of an individual or
group.
Monocracy: Government through established laws.
Second: With regard to the leadership, governments are
also of two types:
Monarchy: Government of hereditary succession of
leadership.
Republic: Government of which a president is elected
through voting.
Third: With regards to the source of authority,
governments are of three types:
Dictatorship: An autocratic form of government where
the government is ruled by a single person.
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Oligarchy: leadership by the few, where political power

effectively rests with a small elite segment of society
(whether distinguished by wealth, lineage or military
power).
Democracy: government by the people, either directly
(through referenda or popular assembly) or representatively
(via elections).
Which of the aforementioned types would then apply
to the system of government in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia?
The answer is, in respect of subjectivity to law, one can
see that this system cannot be labeled as a dictatorship, as
dictatorship is usually based on whims, desires, injustice
and aggression. The system is in fact one of a legitimate
government is based on rule of law and liable legislation.
This is exactly what is stipulated in Article (7) of the
Basic Law of Governance: “The Government in Saudi
Arabia derives power from the Holy Qur’an and the
prophetic tradition.”
As for the Saudi leadership, then the system is a
monarchy. This is what stated in Article 5/A of the Basic
Law of Governance: “The system of government in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is that of a monarchy.”
This is a recognized form of government, past and
present. Many countries of the world such as the UK,
Spain, Belgium and Japan follow this pattern of rule.
As for the source of authority, then it is apparent that
the Saudi system of government cannot in any way be
described as autocratic, as we have clarified earlier. The
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system is in fact a combination of the latter two types

(Oligarchy and Democracy).
With regard to rule passing to the sons of the founding
King Abdul Aziz, as stipulated in Article (5)/B, it can
classified as monarchy.
Regarding the fact that the rule is attained through
paying allegiance to the King, as stipulated in article (6),
it is similar to democracy in some aspects; especially
when we know that the democratic process is formulated
in several forms, such as like:
1- Establishment of a Shoura Council.
2- The state’s authorities consisting of:

- The Judicial Authority
- The Executive Authority
- The Regulatory Authority
Each of these authorities exercises its duties independently

and in cooperation with the others, as stipulated in Article
(44) of the Basic Law of Governance.
3- The existence of general administration over the
government’s bodies as stipulated in Article (80).
4- Public participation in several and various forms.
This is one of the key forms of democracy.
As for the issue of the actual source of power, then
we believe that this is something not confined to the
three aforementioned types (dictatorship, oligarchy and
democracy). A fourth type can be added, namely that of
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Islamic Legislation, as it is the one most fitting, suitable

and eligible for authority, and it is this type that must be in
place before authority is granted to any individual, group
or nation. If a nation is to have a share in such authority,
this share is to be limited to procedure and regulation
only.
There can be no doubt, therefore, that the Saudi system of
governance derives its authority from Islamic legislation.
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Chapter (5)
General Authorities of Government
Key functions of government are referred to here as

authorities or powers, and are of three types:
1. The Legislative Authority is the lawmaking body,
having the power to make new laws.
2. The Executive Authority is authority that enforces
orders and ensures that they are carried out as
proposed.
3. The Judicial Authority is the authority that is assigned
the task of interpreting and implementing laws.13
The Saudi governmental system is very close to this, the
only difference being that the term ‘Regulatory Authority’
has been added.
A clearer picture of the Saudi system is obtained if we
look at these authorities individually, as found in the Basic
Law of Governance.
First: The Judicial Authority

The judiciary is the most noble and respected authority
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in Islam, and is, as stated by the second caliph Umar bin

Al-Khattab: “A firm obligation and an adherence to the
Sunnah.”14 Prophets have guided their people and have
ruled them with justice, one of the most famous among
being Prophet David, whom God addressed in the Holy
Qur’an saying: “O David! Indeed We have made you a
successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in
truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead
you astray from the way of God. Indeed, those who go
astray from the way of God will have a severe punishment
for having forgotten the Day of Account.” (38: 26).
Thus Muslim scholars have paid great attention and
given the utmost concern to the judiciary; they have written
extensively and exhaustively regarding its importance,
virtues, pillars, prerequisites of becoming a judge and
how he assumes his post, measures, procedures, proofs
and their constituents, and many other aspects.
Bearing this in mind, it is not strange to see the judiciary
as one of the three key authorities in the Saudi political
system.
The following are the most important issues of this
authority that the Basic Law of Governance focuses
upon:
1- Independence of the Judiciary

Article (46) states: “The judiciary is an independent
authority. There is no control over judges in the dispensation
of their judgments, except that of the Islamic shari’ah.”
This is the proper position of the judiciary in Islam. It
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is an independent authority with links to the executive

authority in two areas only:
The first: Administrative arrangements and procedures.
The second: the execution of verdicts.
And this is what is underlined in article (50).
2- Litigation is a common right for all

Article (47) states: “The right to litigation is guaranteed
to citizens and residents of the Kingdom on an equal basis.
The law defines the required procedures for this.”
3- Judges are to abide by the Law of Islamic shari’ah.

Article (48) states: “The courts will apply the rules of
the Islamic shari’ah in the cases that are brought before
them, in accordance with what is indicated in the Book
and the Sunnah, as well as statutes decreed by the ruler
which do not contradict the Book or the Sunnah.”
The ‘Book’ here refers to the Holy Qur’an.
The Sunnah, is the saying and deeds of Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him.
The statutes are laws issued by the government that do
not run contrary to the provisions of the Holy Qur’an and
the Sunnah.
There are many other laws related to the judiciary, but
they are merely of an organizational nature, the most
famous of them being:
1. The Law of Procedure before the Shari’ah Courts

2. The Law of Criminal Procedures
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3. The Code of Law Practice

In addition to other related laws, like:
1. Real Estate Registration Law

2. Money Laundering Law
3. Arbitration Law
Judicial organization in Saudi Arabia

Litigation in Saudi Arabia passes through two parallel
channels:
The General Judiciary and
The Administrative Judiciary.
The General Judiciary has the jurisdiction to settle
all lawsuits that are not under the competence of the
Administrative Judiciary. It consists of three kinds of
courts, which, according to their degree of litigation from
higher hierarchy, are as follows:
1- The high court, which is similar to a constitutional

court. The most important of its undertakings are:
a- To review sentences containing detrimental verdicts

issued by the appellate court.
b- To ratify the constitutional verdicts issued by the
appellate courts.
2- The appellate courts, which review appealable

verdicts issued by first degree courts after listening to
litigants.
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Each of these courts consists of a number of specialized

spheres of responsibility.
3- First degree courts, which are of five kinds:
a- Regular courts
b- Summary courts
c- Personal affairs courts
d- Commercial courts
e- Labor courts
The general judiciary is supervised by a supreme

council called The Supreme Judiciary Council. The most
important competences of this Council are the following:
1. To review the employment affairs of judges.

2. To inspect the judiciary.
3. To approve the establishment of courts as outlined in
the Law.
4. To supervise courts and judges.
The Administrative Judiciary is an independent

authority which reports directly to the King. The following
are the most important undertakings of the Administrative
Judiciary:
a- Compensation claims made by the persons concerned

against the Government or independent public corporate
bodies.
b- Disciplinary claims filed by the concerned party.
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c- Claims related to contractual disputes to which the

government or any of its corporate bodies is a party.
d- Claims for the final cancellation of administrative
decisions.
e- Petitions for the execution of foreign judgments.
The structure of the Administrative Judiciary does not
differ from that of the General Judiciary, as the former’s
courts consist of three types. From their hierarchical order,
they are as follows:
- High administrative court.
- Administrative appellate court.
- Administrative court.
These courts are supervised by a supreme council
called The Administrative Judiciary Council, chaired by
the President of the Board of Grievances.
This council has the same competences of the General
Judiciary.
Second: The Executive Authority

Execution is the practical measure required by
judgments or laws.
The executive authority, as referred to earlier, is the
body responsible for the execution of laws.
It is simply referred to as the government, represented
by its leader, such as a King or President, and ministers
under his leadership.
The Saudi Basic Law of Governance explains the nature
of this authority and its undertakings. The following are
some articles referring to this:
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“The King, or whoever he deputizes, is responsible for

the implementation of judicial rulings.” (Article 50).
“The King carries out the policy of the nation, in
accordance with the provisions of Islam; the King oversees
the implementation of the Islamic Shari’ah, the laws, the
state’s general policies and the protection and defense of
the country.” (Article 55).
“The King is the Prime Minister; he is assisted in
carrying out his duties by members of the Council of
Ministers, in accordance with the provisions of this and
other laws.” (Article 56).
To have a more complete picture, let us shed more light
about this authority.
This authority has the following structure:
1- Imamah (leadership), regardless of whether the chief
is called Caliph, King, Sultan, Amir, President, or anything
else.15 Muslim jurists place a number of conditions that
make the Imam an ideal and respected leader. The most
important of these conditions are as follows:
a- Responsibility (i.e., maturity and sanity).
b- Sound senses and a healthy body.
c- Islam, and a sense of justice.
d- A mastery of those sciences which would enable him
to reach sound judgment.16
The Basic Law of Governance summarized all these
conditions in the term: “the most suitable”, as stated in
Article (5) of this Law.
2- The Ministry, Fundamentally, a minister is one who
assists and supports a King, but the term has often referred
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to a particularly robust assistant, as Abu Bakr and Umar

were to the Prophet, peace be upon him.
The term then developed to refer to a member of a
government who is a member of that government’s
Council of Ministers, with its chief being called the prime
minister. According to the Basic Law of Government, the
King is the equivalent of prime minister (Article 56) and
the one who appoints deputies to the prime minister and
ministers. (Article 57/a).
The ministers are responsible to the King regarding
the implementation of the Islamic shari’ah, the laws
and the state’s general policy (Article 57/ b). Within the
ministry there are different departments, committees, and
authorities as well as other structures.
3- Region or province, the one in charge of this is the
Amir, or governor. A region is a territory with different
characteristics and influence. Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him, would assign individual companions of his
to rule regions such as Makkah and Yemen.
In Saudi Arabia, the “Law of the Provinces” was issued
by Royal Decree No 100/92 on 27/8/1412H. This Law
divided the Kingdom into thirteen regions further divided
into provinces.
According to Article 5 of this Law, the Amir of each
Province shall be directly answerable to the Interior
Minister.
“Every Amir shall assume the administration of the
region according to the general policy of the State in
compliance with provisions of this Law and other laws
and regulations.” (Article 7).
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4- The official governmental agencies and

departments, as well as those independent from the
ministries, are part of the executive authority and are
responsible for implementing and maintaining law and
order.
Article (58) of the Basic Law of Governance states:
“Ministers and heads of independent departments are
answerable to the prime minister for the ministries and
departments which they administer.”
Third: The Regulatory Authority

It was mentioned earlier that this authority is similar
to what is known in other countries as the legislative
authority. However, the Saudi regulator prefers the term
‘Regulatory Authority’ for two reasons:
There is a linguistic difference between regulation and
legislation. Regulation is to arrange matters and construct
them in a cohesive model, while legislation is the process
of making and passing laws.
The Arabic equivalents of these two terms have an
idiomatic difference: The subject of regulation is order
and the subject of legislation is the shari’ah. There is a
palpable difference between them in terms of the religious
perspective. Shari’ah is the Divine system of what God
has legislated for mankind in regard to beliefs, rules and
morals.
The Holy Qur’an states: “Then we put you, [O
Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter
[of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations
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of those who do not know.” (45: 18).

To further explain the function of the Regulatory
Authority, we can state that regulation itself has two
channels:
The first: a technical, legislative-form channel.
The second: a regulatory, procedural-form channel.
The first is performed by shari’ah scholars, be they
governmental or non-governmental employees. Their
duty is to explain the rules of the shari’ah to luminaries or
to the public at large, and such explanation can be either in
the form of a fatwa (Islamic legal opinion) or by education
and guidance.
God states in the Holy Qu’ran: “And mention when
God took a covenant from those who were given the
Scripture, [saying], ‘You must make it clear [i.e., explain
it] to the people and not conceal it.’ But they threw it away
behind their backs and exchanged it for a small price. And
wretched is that which they purchased!” (3:187).
Commentators of the Holy Qur’an said regarding this
verse: This is a stern warning to the ulama (Muslim
scholars) not to follow the path of those mentioned in the
verse, or else suffer a fate similar to them. It is, therefore,
obligatory upon the ulama to explain religious knowledge
to the people, and not hide it.
This group or commission occupies a leading position
in Saudi Arabian society. There is an integrated body
responsible for fatwa (Islamic legal opinion) and scientific
research. At the apex of this body is the senior ulama
commission, which groups distinguished Islamic scholars
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who are concerned with major contemporary issues.

The second channel of regulation consists of people of
various specializations and expertise, and they are people
of shoura (consultation).
The Shoura Council Law outlines membership terms,
conditions, and responsibilities .
Article (15) of this Law states: “The Shoura Council
shall express its opinion on the general policies of the State
referred to it by the President of the Council of Ministers.
The Council shall specifically have the right to exercise
the following:
(a) Discuss the general plan for economic and social
development and provide a view on it,
(b) Review laws and regulations, international treaties
and conventions and concessions, and provide whatever
suggestions it deems appropriate,
(C) Interpret laws,
(d) Discuss annual reports submitted by ministries
and other governmental agencies and provide whatever
suggestions it deems appropriate.”
Within its present status, the Shoura Council’s decisions
are non-binding, which represents a different application of
the Islamic concept of shoura. However, nothing forbids the
change of the Law to have the Council’s decisions binding.
This, again, reaffirms the flexibility of the application
of the Islamic concept of shoura, as explained earlier. If
the Shoura Council exercises the regulatory authority by
this form, the Council of Ministers, chaired by the King,
exercises the same authority and undertakes necessary
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decisions within this framework.

This means that the Council of Ministers exercises two
authorities at the same time: the Regulatory Authority
and the Executive Authority, and this is a tradition also
followed in other countries.
The need for Laws

If the Saudi government rules according to the Islamic
shari’ah in all affairs of life, a question may rise: Why
then is there a need for regulation?
The answer is that regulation may arise due to the
changing or developing nature of life, particularly in two
areas.
The first: aspects related to daily life such as traffic, the
civil service, industry, agriculture, communications and
the like.
The second: The procedural regulation for certain
shari’ah rules such as zakat collection, organization of
Hajj procedures, civil procedures, criminal procedures
and other aspects that were established to facilitate and
regulate people’s life and interests.
How Laws are enacted

Laws or legislations are divided into two main parts:
The First: The basic law (legislation) which is the
constitution.
The Second: Normal laws or legislations.
State policy may differ in the preparation and ratification
of the first part. It may be issued by the primary holder of
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authority (the King), or, it may be issued by an elected

constituent assembly, or through a referendum.17
The Saudi Basic Law of Governance was issued
according to the first practice as it was issued by a royal
order on 2 March 1992.
As for normal legislations or laws, they are issued by
the legislative, or regulatory authority, as the term is used
in Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, this authority is represented by the
Council of Ministers as mentioned earlier. The Shoura
Council issues recommendations and suggestions.
Thus, enacting laws should pass upon a number of
stages. They can be summarized as follows:
- Suggestion
- Discussion
- Ratification
- Issuance
As the Shoura Council suggests, discusses and votes,
it performs three of the mentioned stages. It is, therefore,
feasible to consider the Shoura Council a regulatory
authority and as such the authority consists of both the
Council of Ministers and the Shoura Council.
Legitimacy of the System

It has been stated that the Saudi state is one that adopts
the Islamic shari’ah as a law and applies it in all its affairs.
If this is the case, is it possible to enact laws within this
shari’ah?
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The answer is that it can as long as these laws do not

contradict the Islamic shari’ah, as has been the case in the
Saudi model. These laws are enacted in such a way as to
not run contrary to the shari’ah, and this was so because
at the Suggestion, Discussion and Ratification stages, each
member of the Shoura Council, the Council of Ministers,
and the Expert Bureau Group’s members who specialized
in the science of Islamic shari’ah had the opportunity of
stipulating his view.
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Chapter (6)
Rights and Duties
A right is constant as well as existent. In the norm of

Muslim jurists, it is an endorsement of a shari’ah-approved
interest, and its legal definition is very close to this.
A duty is something that ought to or needs to be done.
Rights and duties enjoy a wide arena in Islamic
legislation.
Rights and duties and their respective philosophies may
differ from the view of one legislation to another. The law
gives concern to rights and makes it a subject, or even a
goal, for legal rules.
Duties arise from rights, so when rights of a certain
people were decided, for example, they would have
corresponded with these people’s duties toward others.
The Islamic shari’ah is not solely concerned with the
rights of humans only. It covers a far wider perspective:
the behavior and deeds of man, his relation with God, with
himself, with others and with the environment.
These behaviors all run within the shari’ah rules of
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wujoob (obligation), nadb (recommendation) tahreem

(ban or prohibition), karaha (dislike) and ibaha
(permissibility).
The Islamic texts on this subject indicate obligation.
Rights can imply a direct effect of certain behaviors18,
and this demonstrates an important difference, in terms
of the concept of rights in general, between Islamic fiqh
(Jurisprudence) and law.
Another significant difference in light of what was
mentioned earlier should also be borne in mind: Law is
simply concerned with the organization of social relations
that were covered by legal rules, whereas the Islamic
shari’ah is comprehensive with respect to the behavior and
relations of the individual, and this is what distinguishes
the legislation of God from man-made legislations.
Division of Rights
The law divides rights into different categories. We will
refer to one well known category:
civil and political rights:
Civil rights are the protections and privileges ofpersonal
power given to all citizens by law. They are of two types:
a- General rights: Which are what man enjoys by
nature.
b- Private rights: Which are what an individual enjoys
in his relations with others, and they are of two types:
First: financial rights

Second: non-financial (i.e., moral) rights.
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Political rights are the ones that bestowed by law for

an individual as a citizen. They are the rights of public
employment, voting, and political participation in
general.
This definition is defined by law. In the Islamic shari’ah,
jurists divide rights into three categories:
1- God’s rights: such as God’s exclusive right of being

worshipped, and his right that the Islamic penalty for
adultery be applied, for instance.
2- Others rights: such as within financial dealings.
3- Common rights: such as zakat and the punishment
for defamation.
This difference in categorization between the Islamic
shari’ah and law has no significant effect in terms of
other’s rights, as it is a technical difference in a few of its
sub-branches.
God’s rights are obviously not integrated into law.
We are, therefore, focusing here on the shared rights
between the shari’ah and the law with regard to people’s
vital interests.
Rights and Duties in the Saudi Law

The Saudi Basic Law of Governance has designated a
separate chapter of 21 articles for rights and duties. These
articles focus on demonstrating the rights of people and
the responsibilities of the government.
To draw a complete picture of the shared rights and
duties between the state and its people, we will explain
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the rights and duties of the state and then the rights and
duties of people.
First: The Rights and Duties of the State

The state referred to here is a political association with
an effective dominion over a set geographic area. This is a
legal and political definition which was not known among
Muslim theologists who instead used terms such as imam,
khalifah, guardians, emir, judge and so on.
When using such terms, these theologists were not
referring to a person in particular, but rather to his position
and occupation. For example, in their terminology, an
employee would not have his job terminated due to the
death of the one who appointed him, but would instead
continue in his post.
Having come to know this, we ask what are the rights,
therefore, of the state (or those representing it), and what
are their duties?
The most important rights of the state are the
following:
1. Obedience in what is good, as explained earlier. This

includes abiding by the general system of the state and
not violating it in any way.
2. This right was referred to into article (6) of the Saudi
Basic Law of Governance as one of the duties of
citizens.
3. Support and advocacy in the execution of verdicts and
rules, and in guarding and protecting the religion, the
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society and the nation.

4. Counsel, which entails wishing for what is best for the
one being advised and by saying or doing what would
bring benefit to the ruler and the ruled while refraining
from any words or deeds that would subject them to
corruption.
5. Respect and appreciation, according to superior
norm.
The duties of the state can be summarized as follows:
1- Implementation of the Islamic shari’ah in all life’s

affairs, be they intellectual, cultural, political, economic,
social, judicial, legal, or otherwise.
The Law has confirmed the importance of this duty.
Article (23) of the Basic Law of Governance reads, “The
State shall protect the Islamic creed, apply its Shari‘ah,
enjoin good and prohibit evil, and carry out the duty of
calling to God.”
And in article (55), “The King shall run the affairs of the
nation in accordance with the dictates of Islam. He shall
supervise the implementation of the Islamic Shari‘ah and
the general policies of the State, as well as the protection
and defense of the country.”
The same is in article (57/b) and similar to it in can be
found in article (48).
2- Managing the domestic affairs according to the shari’ah

in a way that realizes general and private interests.
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Article (50) reads, “The King or whomever he deputizes

shall be responsible for the enforcement of judicial
rulings.”
And article (36), “The State shall provide security to all
its citizens and residents.”
Article (67) reads, “The Regulatory Authority shall have
the jurisdiction of formulating laws and rules conducive
to the realization of the well-being or the warding off of
harm with respect to the State’s affairs, in accordance with
the principles of the Islamic Shari‘ah.”
And in article (24) we read, “The State shall maintain
and serve the Two Holy Mosques, and provide security
and care to those who travel to them so as to enable them
to perform Hajj (Major Pilgrimage), ‘Umrah (Minor
Pilgrimage), and Ziyarah (Visitation to the Prophet’s
Mosque) in ease and tranquility.”
Domestic affairs are numerous and cannot all be
mentioned; the purpose here is to simply give examples.
3- Managing foreign affairs according to the shari’ah
in a way that realizes the interests of Islam, the Islamic
nation and the homeland.
Article (25) of the Basic Law of Governance says, “The
State shall strive to realize the aspirations of the Arab
and Muslim nation for solidarity and unity, as well as to
promote its relations with friendly states.”
And article (42), “The State shall grant political asylum
if public interest so dictates. Laws and international
agreements shall specify the rules and procedures for the
extradition of common criminals.”
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In article (61) we read, “The King may declare a state of

emergency, general mobilization, and war. The Law shall
set forth the provisions thereof.”
And in article (70), “Laws, international treaties and
agreements, and concessions shall be issued and amended
by Royal Decrees.”
One of the most important functions of the Muslim state
is to distribute and explain Islamic teachings and enable
people to study and understand it, as well as to support
those working in the da’wah (Islamic propagation) field.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs was established for this
purpose. Thus, the final part of article (23) reads: “And
(the state) shall carry out the duty of calling to God.”
These provisions emphasized that:
The state’s foreign policy operates in three balanced
levels, namely:
a- The Arab nation.

b- The Islamic nation.
c- The nations of the world in general.
1. This policy gives special attention to the causes of the

Islamic nation.
2. This policy is committed to the honoring of international
agreements and treaties.
3. This policy is dedicated to the protection of human
rights.
These are the most important responsibilities of an
Islamic state as the key purpose for its existence is the
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protection and welfare of its people in a way that guarantees

them happiness in this life and the Hereafter.
God states that the very reason for sending prophets is
that it is a mercy for mankind: “We have not sent you, [O
Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (21:107).
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Tahir bin Ashoor (d. 1971) said:
“This mercy is demonstrated in two ways: The conduct
and behavior of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon
him, is mercy, and that mercy is part and parcel of his
shari’ah.19”
Due to the importance of this duty, Article (26) of the
Saudi Basic Law of Governance points out, “The State
shall protect human rights in accordance with the Islamic
Shari‘ah.”
And article (37) reads, “Residences shall be inviolable,
and they may not be entered or searched without their
owner’s permission, except in cases set forth in the
Law.”
Article (38) which follows the previous one states,
“Punishment shall be carried out on a personal basis.
There shall be no crime or punishment except on the
basis of a shari‘ah or a statutory provision, and there
shall be no punishment except for deeds subsequent to the
effectiveness of a statutory provision.”
And the following article (39) states, “Mass and
publishing media and all means of expression shall use
modest language and adhere to the State’s laws. They shall
contribute towards educating the nation and supporting
its unity. Whatever leads to sedition and division, or
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undermines the security of the State or its public relations,

or is injurious to the honor and rights of man, shall be
prohibited.”
All these and others underline the importance of this
duty.
The details of these rights cannot be covered by this
book. We have earlier referred, with supporting examples,
to just a few of its types.
To show its concern to human rights, the Saudi
government has established two human rights organizations,
one independent and the other governmental. Each has
distinct activities.
Second: The Rights and Duties of Citizens
Firstly, it should be noted that the terms ‘citizens’

and ‘people’ are legal terms. Despite the linguistic
existence of both terms, Islamic jurisprudence has not
used either of them to refer to inhabitants of a state
or its community; instead, the term ‘wards’ has been
deployed to refer to the ruled, regardless of their legal
status.
In the authenticated hadith, Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him, said, “Every one of you is a guardian and
every one of you is responsible (for his wards).” The one
responsible for this ward is called a ‘guardian.20’
Saudi Law has adopted the legal term ‘citizens’ and not
‘people’, as in articles (6) and (27) of the Basic Law of
Governance.
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This may be attributed to the common use of the term

citizen as that which refers to a certain type of inhabitant
of a country who also carries its nationality. Others who
are not bearing this nationality and who live in the country
are referred to as ‘foreigners’ as in the Saudi Nationality
Law, or ‘residents’ as in articles (36) and (47) as in the
Saudi Basic Law of Governance.
The Saudi state, with its strategic position to the
Islamic world due to it containing the two Holy
Mosques that are flocked to by Muslims from all over
the world during Hajj and other seasons, shoulders
major responsibilities and performs huge functions and
services for each pilgrim, Umrah performer, and visitor
to the Prophet’s mosque.
This has been emphasized by article (24) of the Basic
Law of Governance, “The State shall maintain and
serve the Two Holy Mosques, and provide security and
care to those who travel to them so as to enable them
to perform Hajj (Major Pilgrimage), ‘Umrah (Minor
Pilgrimage), and Ziyarah (Visitation to the Prophet’s
Mosque) in ease and tranquility.”
Citizens’ Rights in Saudi Law

As a general rule, it can be stated that the aforementioned
duties of the state are in fact citizens’ rights. However, in
order to follow the custom of legal specialists, there arises
a need to demonstrate these rights in order for clarity.
In light of the Saudi Basic Law, these rights can be
divided into two sections:
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Section One: Civil Rights, which comprise of:

1- Provision of intellectual security:
By guarding the Islamic creed and teaching it to people
following the example of God’s Prophets who dedicated
their lives to calling for the exclusive worship of God
and the renouncing of all forms and manifestations of
polytheism and paganism.
The Holy Qur’an states: “And We certainly sent into
every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship God and
avoid false objects of worship.’” (16:36).
This is what is implemented by the Saudi state, whose
general policy is based upon this creed and who exerts all
efforts in serving and spreading this creed.
Article (23) of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
begins with: “The State shall protect the Islamic creed.”
And article (13) begins with: “The purpose of education
is to instill the Islamic faith in the younger generation.”
2- Provision of Education:
This is according to article (30) which reads: “The State
shall provide public education, and shall be committed to
combating illiteracy.”
It is the right and even a duty of every citizen to get an
education. Thus, general education is obligatory and free
of charge.
This is what Islam requires from the individual and the
state.
In the Holy Qur’an, it is stated: “Say: ‘Are those who
know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will
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remember [who are] people of understanding.” (39:9).

In a prophetic hadith, we find: “Seeking knowledge is
obligatory upon every Muslim.” (narrated by Ibn Majah
and Ibn Abdul Barr in his book ‘Al-Ilm.’)
This is addressed to both men and women alike.
3- Provision of Medical Services:

Article (31) of the Basic Law of Governance reads: “The
State shall be responsible for the care of public health, and
shall provide healthcare to every citizen.”
Within the framework of this article, a number of laws
like the Health Law, the statute of the Red Crescent Society
and others have been issued.
This is what Islam aims for and what is emphasized in
the Muslim society.
In a hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad,
peace be upon him, said: “Flee from leprosy as you would
flee from a lion.”
4- State’s Support for Citizens in Emergencies:

Article (27) of the Basic Law of Governance stipulates:
“The State shall guarantee the right of the citizen and his
family in emergencies, sickness, disability, and old age,
and shall support the social security system and encourage
institutions and individuals to participate in charitable
work.”
Hence, the state is concerned with the following:
a- Paying social security for orphans and foundlings,
the elderly, and women who have no support.
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b- Providing extended and comprehensive care for the

disabled.
c- Giving zakat to the needy, including the poor.
d- Facilitating volunteer work, as outlined by the last
part of the pervious article. This stems from the state’s
care for its people.
In a prophetic hadith, we find: “I am closer to the
believers than they are to themselves. Whoever died in
debt, I will pay it, and any wealth he has left behind is for
his inheritors.”
5- Provision of Public Security:

reads: “The State shall provide security to all its citizens
and residents. A person’s actions may not be restricted,
nor may he be detained or imprisoned, except under the
provisions of the Law.”
The Law of Criminal Procedure details cases when this
security is restricted. These cases are exceptional ones and
are applied for public interest.
6- Inviolability of Man’s Secrets and Personal

Belongings in his House, Car or Office:
This was clearly stated in articles (37) and (40) of the
Basic Law of Governance.
7- Running People’s Affairs According to the

Shari’ah:
This is to be conducted in fulfillment of the bay’ah
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(Pledge of Allegiance) between the two parties. This kind

of contract is to be fulfilled by the ruler with regard to
his ruling according to the shari’ah. If he rules by any
other law and thus betrays the trustworthiness, the bay’ah
contract becomes invalid.
The Basic Law of Governance confirmed this right in
article (55).
8- Ownership of what is Lawful

Article (17) states: “Property, capital, and labor are
basic constituents of the economic and social structure
of the Kingdom. These are private rights which fulfill
a social function, in accordance with the Islamic
Shari‘ah”
Article (18) states: “The State shall guarantee private
property and its inviolability. No one shall be deprived of
his property except for the public interest, and provided
that the owner be fairly compensated.”
The following article (19) reads: “The public
expropriation of property shall be prohibited, and the
penalty of private expropriation may be imposed only
by a court order.”
All this comes within the implementation of the right
of private ownership, which is permissible in Islam
whenever it comes from a lawful source. However, if
wealth is obtained from unlawful sources such as usury,
assault, theft and drug dealing, it has no inviolability
whatsoever and the state and society shall therefore
make the owner accountable and bring him to justice.
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9- Facilitation of Job Opportunities

Article (28) states: “The State shall facilitate the provision
of job opportunities to every able person, and shall enact
laws that protect the worker and the employer.”
Article (2) of the Human Resources Development Fund
Law reads: “The Fund aims at supporting the efforts to
qualify the national workforce and employ it in the private
sector.”
Such encouragement is promoted by the Islamic
shari’ah: A man once came to Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him, asking for money. The Prophet, peace be
upon him, advised him to work. He gave him an axe and
requested that he take it, go out, and cut wood, and return
to him in fifteen days. The man duly complied and after a
while made a living out of this profession.
Section Two: Political Rights
Though these rights may be part and parcel of others, they

are mentioned for consistency with legal methodology.
In general, political rights refer to political participation in
its various forms.
If we examine Islamic jurisprudence and Saudi Law, this
right appears in the following:
(1) The King’s Bay’ah (Pledge of Allegiance):

This is an actual, physical (rather than allegorical) contract
between two parties whereby each party commits fully
with his responsibilities, and was mentioned previously
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when discussing the foundations of the constitution.

Article (6) of the Saudi basic Law of Governance
stipulates:
“Citizens shall pledge allegiance to the King in accordance
with the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah (tradition of the
Prophet), in submission and obedience, in times of ease
and difficulty, fortune and adversity.”
This can become more than just a right and be a
responsibility and obligation, as indicated previously
when mentioning the difference between a right in law
and a right in Islamic jurisprudence.
(2) Assignment of Posts:

Posts can be divided into two categories:
1. Major posts such as judges, ministers, emirs, general
managers, and the like.
2. Standard posts
The first category is of posts with great responsibilities

that should only be assigned to those who met the necessary
preconditions, which are strength and trustworthiness.
The Holy Qur’an states: “The best one you can hire is the
strong and the trustworthy.” (28:26).
These posts are assigned for those qualified and not for
just anybody who takes it upon himself to request them.
Some people once came to Prophet Muhammad, peace be
upon him, and asked him to assign them certain posts. He
replied: “We do not appoint for our jobs just any forceful
demander.”
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These jobs are therefore not the right of people, but are
rather assigned to those qualified and thus deserving of
them.
The second category consists of standard posts that one
must apply for and compete with others in order to gain.
The Saudi Civil Service Law divides these posts into
four groups, with respect to their ranks:
1. Below rank 11: To be announced for public

competition.
2. From rank 11 to 13: To be filled by a decision from the
concerned minister.
3. From rank 14 and upward: To be filled by a cabinet
decision.
4. Appointments in higher posts than this are to be made
by a royal order.
(3) Expressing Views and Giving Advice

This is a right that everyone with a viewpoint on
a certain issue has, and it should be expressed through
legitimate channels, such as the media, in an appropriate
and honorable manner.
This right comes under the combined society
responsibility, which Islam confirms.
In the Holy Qur’an, it states: “The believing men and
believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin
what is good and forbid what is wrong and establish
prayer and give zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger.
On them will God pour His mercy.” (9:71)
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And: “Who whose affair is [determined by] consultation.”

(42:38).
Imam Al-Bukhari narrated the following prophetic
hadith: “(The example of) those who observe God’s
commands and those who do not is like a group of people
travelling together on a ship: some of them are on its upper
deck and others on the lower deck. Those on the lower
deck suggest making a hole in their section, which was
allocated to them, so that they may have easy access to
water. If these people are left to do as they wish, the ship
would sink, and all of them (on board) would drown, but if
they are prevented, everyone on the ship would be safe.”
This is a precise description of the nature of public life,
and it emphasizes the importance of expressing opinions
and viewpoints at the appropriate time.
(4) The Right of Litigation in the Courts

Article (47) of the Saudi basic Law of Governance
states: “The right of litigation shall be guaranteed equally
for both citizens and residents of the Kingdom…”
Citizens’ Duties in the Law

It can be noted that the Saudi Basic Law, like other
laws, does not focus much on citizens’ duties, but instead
emphasizes their rights.
The state’s rights were mentioned earlier, which in
essence are people’s duties.
These duties can be summarized as follows:
1- Holding fast to the bond of God and cooperation on
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righteousness and piety.

Article (11) reads: “Saudi society shall be based on its
members’ holding fast to the bond of God, cooperating
upon righteousness and piety, maintaining solidarity, and
avoiding dissention.”
This is a major Islamic demand that the Islamic shari’ah
has stressed in many texts.
It is therefore impermissible for anyone to cause division
and hatred in society.
2- Respect of the State’s Law, in accordance with the
public interest. This was underlined in article (9) of the
Law: “The family is the kernel of Saudi society, and its
members shall be brought up on the basis of the Islamic
faith, and loyalty and obedience to God, His Messenger,
and to guardians; respect for and implementation of the
law, and love of and pride in the homeland and its glorious
history.”
3- Defense of religion, society and the homeland. Article
(34) of the Law states: “Defense of the Islamic creed, the
society, and the homeland is the duty of every citizen.”
This brief article implies huge responsibilities that are
shouldered by citizens.
Defense of the Islamic creed is, firstly, through correct
adherence to it, secondly by explaining it to others and
thirdly, by exposing the idle suspicions and objections
raised by its adversaries.
All this can be by means of debate, discussion,
correspondence and other direct or indirect means of
communication.
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This task was indeed one of the primary duties of the

prophets.
The defense of a society by all its members is a must
because society is like a single body, with each and every
member having its particular rights and responsibilities. A
prophetic hadith states: “The believers in their mercy and
compassion are like a single body: If one organ (of this
body) is in pain, the rest of the body will ache with fever
and insomnia.”
Mercy and compassion require defending this body by
peaceful means initially and by force if necessary.
Defense of the homeland is a legitimate concept in all
religions, doctrines and laws. Here we refer to this homeland
as having two cores: the territory of the Kingdom of Saud
Arabia, and the territories of the entire Islamic world.
A Muslim has the right to defend any span of the Islamic
countries as they represent a single body and however
numerous their states may be, they are as if one homeland.
We have earlier mentioned the provision of article
(34) of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance, which
states: “Defense of the Islamic creed, the society, and the
homeland is the duty of every citizen.”
For this reason, military laws were enacted.
The Holy Qur’an states: “Permission [to fight] has
been given to those who are being fought, because they
are wronged. And indeed, God is competent to give them
victory. [They are] those who have been evicted from their
homes without right – only because they say: ‘Our Lord is
God’” (22:39-40)
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4- Promoting National Unity, which is to strengthen the

bonds of fraternity and relationship between the members
of the society, its tribes, regions, provinces and its schools
of thought, and to refrain from whatever leads to disunity,
sedition and division.
stresses this as it states: “Promoting national unity is a
duty, and the State shall prevent whatever leads to disunity,
sedition and division.”
Rights of Non-Muslims in the Saudi Law:
The rights of non-Muslims occupy a special position in

Islamic jurisprudence due to the recognition of Muslim
scholars of the importance of this issue, and because every
Islamic society includes non-Muslims.
The status and position of these non-Muslims vary.
Some may stay permanently in the Islamic society, and
they are known as Ahl Al-thimma, while others may
have temporary residency only, and they are termed
mustamaneen (protected persons).
Muslim scholars have written extensively detailing the
Islamic rules governing these groups.
Objective and candid orientalists, as well as other
writers, have hailed the fine treatment received by non-
Muslims in the Islamic society.21
In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims are termed ‘residents’, as
their residency in the country is non-permanent.
Indeed no non-Muslim who stays in the Kingdom of
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Saudi Arabia does so on a permanent basis, and this is a

sacred Islamic tradition which Muslims adhere to due to the
fact that this territory has certain exclusive characteristics
owing to it containing the two holy cities of Makkah and
Madinah, which are only to be visited by Muslims.
It can be noted that Saudi Law does not distinguish
between Muslim and non-Muslim residents in a number
of matters:
1. In respect to both being termed (residents) or
foreigners.
2. In respect to both being permitted to utilize public
utilities, and there is also no distinction here either
between residents and citizens.
3. In respect to employment of non-Saudis, as there
is no difference here between a Muslim and a non-
Muslim, with the only criteria being qualification
and experience.
Thus, when any official discourse is addressed to non-
Saudis, it means all non-Saudis, regardless of religion, as
in article (41) of the Basic Law, which states: “Residents
on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall observe its laws.
They shall respect the values, traditions and sensibilities
of Saudi society.”
The term ‘resident’ here, therefore, includes Muslims
and non-Muslims.
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Chapter (7)
The Nature of the Ruler-Subject

Relationship
In light of the rights and duties of both the ruler and

the ruled that have been clarified earlier, the question
rightfully arises: How then is the relationship between the
two parties?
The answer requires a brief explanation of these rights.
Firstly: the rights of the ruler are:

Obedience in what is good, support, counsel and
respect.
At the same time, these rights are duties for those being
ruled. These duties require them to respect the State’s law
and defend the religion, the society and the homeland.
Secondly: the rights of the subjects are:

To rule with the Islamic Shari’ah and to provide basic
needs such as education, health services, security, and care
in the case of disability.
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At the same time, these are duties and responsibilities

that require the ruler to exert great effort in the interests
of his subjects.
In light of this, it appears that every party has rights
and responsibilities and that each party right has a
corresponding duty that should be adhered to by the other
party.
Thus, the relationship between the two parties is a
contractual one where both parties are equals in terms of
rights and duties.
In Islam, public authority is a trust and should not be
assigned except to those qualified and capable.
In a hadith, Abu Dharr narrated: “I said to the Holy
Prophet, peace be upon him: ‘Messenger of Allah, will you
not appoint me to public office?’ He stroked my shoulder
with his hand and said: ‘Abu Dharr! You are weak and
authority is a trust, and on the Day of Judgment it will
be a cause of humiliation and sorrow except for he who
fulfills its obligations and (properly) discharges the duties
required therein.’”
Naturally, however vast a responsibility is, it should be
correspondingly coupled with rights that require adequate
respect and appreciation.
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Chapter (8)
Monitoring and Inspection
Inspection implies watching, or checking upon, or

checking the status of something, or observing trends over
time, or obtaining feedback, or a number of other similar
matters.
In the science of business administration, inspection is
to verify the extent of sufficiently meeting set objectives,
and discovering errors and correcting them.
Inspection is therefore necessary for assessing and
correcting work, and for this reason it is considered as a
constructive management practice.
Islam gives due attention to inspection and to the
subsequent correction of mistakes, and has established a
noble rule in this regard, which is the promotion of virtue
and the prevention of vice. This is a common social task
which requires every capable and knowledgeable person
to perform the task of da’wah (Islamic propagation)
and guidance, as well as promoting what is good and
preventing what is evil.
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When we look deeply into the Islamic shari’ah, we

notice that there is what we can call introspection, which
is to have faith in God, fear Him, and have a constant
conscious feeling of God’s awareness of everything.
Having this would make a Muslim constantly attempt to
do what is good and reproach himself prior to being taken
to account for his mistakes.
In the Islamic state, the function of promoting good and
preventing evil was known in various forms:
1- By way of inspection, or Ihtisab. The Chief Inspector,

or Hisbah Wali would perform inspection. Abd Al-
Rahman Shayzari (d. 1373.) in his book Nihayat Al-Rutba
Fi Talab Al-Hisbah (The Utmost Authority in the Pursuit
of Hisbah), has mentioned about forty areas of hisbah.
Among them is what is related to markets and buying
and selling, doctors and pharmacists, teachers, mosques,
judges’ sessions, rulers, and many others.
2- By way of an administrative judiciary, known as the

Board of Grievances, which was established to adjudicate
in disputes against senior government officials whom the
judiciary might have been unable to bring to justice.
3- By the Khalifah (Muslim ruler) himself as such

a leader would inspect the behavior of his governors
and officials assigned certain jobs. The most prominent
Muslim rulers who exercised this function were Umar bin
Al-Khattab (d. 644) and Umar bin Abdul-Aziz (d. 720).
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This type of inspection is not an optional act but rather

one of the duties of the Imam. In this context, Al-Mawardi
(d. 1058) while writing about the duties of the Imam said:
“(He should) be heavily involved personally in the acts of
governing, and should be actively checking and overseeing
the duties of the government and constantly developing
the nation’s policies and defending and safeguarding its
people and not, for the sake of enjoyment or worship, rely
on those whom he deputizes (for this role).”22
This represents one of the ways of following Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him. In his Sahih, Imam Al-
Bukhari (d. 870) has compiled a chapter with the title:
Bab muhasabat al-imam ummalih, (The Ruler’s making
his subordinates as accountable).
In Saudi Arabia, monitoring and inspection is exercised
in several ways and can be classified as two categories.
First: Social monitoring, which is a common

responsibility and is performed by anyone who notices an
error or flaw in public life. The correct representation of
this is through two channels:
The first channel is the Commission for the Promotion
of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (CPVPV), or hisbah
body.
Article (9) of the CPVPV Law states: “The most
important duty of the CPVPV is to guide people and advise
them to adhere to the religious duties prescribed by the
Islamic Shari’ah and to ask people to perform these duties
while at the same time preventing vice and standing against
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committing what is forbidden and unlawful or following

bad customs, traditions or reprehensible innovations.”
Article (12) of the same law reads: “The Commission
has the right to take part, with the concerned agencies, in
monitoring forbidden items that affect beliefs, behaviors
or general disciplines.”
The second channel is the press, which is considered
one of the most important and decisive media platforms.
It is a scrutinizing eye, which, if in the charge of honest
persons, would not let pass any wrongdoing, be it by an
official or anybody else.
Article (8) of the Law of Printed Materials and
Publications reads: “Freedom of expression is guaranteed
through all means of publication within the provisions of
shari’ah and law.”
This gives any writer the right to criticize any incorrect
phenomenon, in a suitable manner.
The second category is what is performed by certain

specialized agencies or authorities in inspecting the
financial and administrative performance of government
departments.
These authorities can be classified into two types:
- Judicial authority
- Administrative bodies
The first type is represented by the administrative

judiciary, which is the Board of Grievances. The Board
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has jurisdiction to decide the following:

1- Cases of objection filed by the parties concerned
against administrative decisions where the reason for
the objection is lack of jurisdiction, a deficiency in
the procedure, a violation or erroneous application
or interpretation of laws and regulations, or abuse of
authority.
2- Cases of compensation filed by the parties concerned
against the government and/or independent public
corporate entities due to their actions.
3- Cases filed by the parties concerned regarding
contract-related disputes where the government or an
independent public corporate entity is a party thereto.
4- Disciplinary cases filed by the Bureau of Control and
Investigation.
5- Cases filed against suspects who have committed
crimes of forgery.
(See article “8” of the Law of the Board of
Grievances)
The first and last jurisdictions mentioned are the ones
related to inspection.
The second type is represented by two organs:
- General Auditing Bureau (GAB).

- Control and Investigation Commission (CIC).
GAB is concerned with the post-audit function on the
entire package of the state’s revenues and expenditures.
GAB is also required to monitor the state’s fixed and
current resources and to oversee proper deployment and
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preservation of these resources. (Article “7” of the General

Auditing Bureau ‘GAB’ Law.)
This article confirms the provisions of article (79) of the
Basic Law of Governance.
The Control and Investigation Commission has
jurisdictions on the following:
1. To conduct necessary control in order to reveal

financial and administrative violations.
2. To examine cases referred by concerned ministers,
or any concerned official party, about administrative
violations.
3. To investigate financial and administrative violations
revealed by the control process.
4. To follow-up on cases referred to the Disciplinary
Committee according to the law.
(Article “5” of Employees Disciplinary Law)
All this is an explanation of article (80) of the Basic

Law of Governance.
Thus we notice that governmental control over the
behavior of its agencies is one of its vital important
functions.
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Chapter (9)
Freedoms
In the Arabic language, freedom represents liberation

from slavery or restraint. The concept then takes a wider
meaning to include any movement or action according to
will, and not by force or obligation.
The usages of the word freedom are numerous and
cannot be restricted for two significant reasons:
The first: The different foundations upon which the
concept is built.
The second: The diversity of the forms of freedom
according to the diversity of its areas.
With regard to the first reason, there are some who divide
freedom into two modes: relative and absolute. Relativity
here refers to subjectivity to law while absoluteness is
absolute independence and non-relation to any community.
There are also those who consider freedom a synonym to
free will and freedom of selection, and as an antonym of
subjection.
As for second reason, which is the diversity of the forms
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of freedom, we observe that there are numerous types of

freedom such as, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion
and thought, civil freedom, political freedom, moral
freedom, and many others, (consult Al-Mujam Al-Falsafi
“Dictionary of Philosophy”, by Jamil Salibia 1/461).
There is no doubt that these concepts and divisions
encircle the term ‘freedom’ with ambiguity.
In our best endeavor to interpret the term in a way
which we believe is consistent with Islamic legislation
as well as ration, we believe that the general concept of
freedom is ‘free movement within the framework of what
is permissible in Islam.’
This framework or circle comprises of what is
wajib (obligatory), mandoub (recommended), mubah
(permissible) and makrooh (disliked) according to the
terms used by Muslim jurists.
Excluded from the circle is all that is forbidden, whether
it be disbelief in God or any major or minor sin.
There are two particular types of freedom which are
subject to intense controversy, namely:
1- Freedom of religion (Religious freedom).

2- Freedom of opinion (Political freedom).
First: Freedom of Religion
Every mature person ought to search for the correct

religion revealed by God to his Messengers and Prophets.
If he comes to know this religion, he should embrace it -
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even if others oppose him for doing so.

If this person were to then stray from the right path after
having come to know this correct religion, he would be
responsible before God in the Hereafter and deserving of
His punishment.
Islam’s approach to this matter can be summarized as
follows:
1- It is an obligation upon those who follow the Prophets
to explain to people the Straight Path and guide them to it
while not compelling them to embrace it, as the religion
is faith and conviction and, therefore, cannot possibly be
embraced under duress.
In the Holy Qur’an, God states: “There shall be no
compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right
course has become clear from the wrong.” (2:256)
According to this, whoever is not convinced of Islam
should be left to practice his religion, provided that he incurs
no harm upon the Muslims, whether financial or moral.
Individuals, groups and states are equal in this
treatment.
Thus, defending the Islamic faith was legislated, as
well as defending the homeland and sanctuaries. This is
the same system adopted by Saudi Law. Article (23) of the
Basic Law of Governance reads: “The State shall protect
the Islamic creed, apply its Shari‘ah, enjoin good and
prohibit evil, and carry out the duty of calling to God.”
2- If a person embraces Islam, he should abide by it for
the rest of his life with contentment and willingness.
If he feels misgivings regarding his faith, he should not
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express it and if he does so and announces his apostasy, he

is to be given the opportunity to repent, failure of which
would necessitate him being punished.
This is the policy applied by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
When the Kingdom signed the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, issued in 1948, it voiced reservations
on the provisions of article (18) of this Declaration which
grants “Everyone the right of freedom to change his
religion.” The reason for this reservation is certainly not
to limit or restrict people’s freedom, but rather to thwart
the plans of those conspirators whose only desire seems to
be to spread corruption.23
We believe that this certainly constitutes reasonable
justification, for if the matter was left uncontested, belief
in prophethoods would become a plaything in the hands
of the evil.
Second: Freedom of Political Opinion

Such freedom can be expressed in words and by
actions.
Freedom of expression is related to words, while what are
practiced by means of actions are acts such as political opposition
to governments, whether by political parties or others.
We will shed some light on these two types of freedom
of political opinion.
1- Freedom of Expression
This, for example, is to express an opinion that differs

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from a common trend. This can be through criticism

or opposition to the attitudes of the community, or the
activities of the government.
This type of freedom is guaranteed and legally
permissible provided it meets three conditions:
The first: It should be well-intending and have noble
objectives, which is reformation and construction and not
destruction and the proliferation of evil.
The second: It should be expressed in virtuous,
courteous and appropriate language.
The third: It should bear in mind Islam’s values,
principles and invariable rules, within which there is no
possibility of stirring dispute and conflict.
If these conditions are met, one is free to state what he
wishes, otherwise, it is preferable that he does not offer
his view.
This is what was intended by the Saudi Law. Article
(39) of the Basic Law of Governance states: “Mass and
publishing media and all means of expression shall use
modest language and adhere to the State’s laws. They shall
contribute towards educating the nation and supporting
its unity. Whatever leads to sedition and division, or
undermines the security of the State or its public relations,
or is injurious to the honor and rights of man, shall be
prohibited.”
This right is stated clearly in article (26) of the Saudi
Media Policy Law: “Freedom of expression in the Saudi
media is guaranteed within Islamic and national objectives
and values.”
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2- Political Opposition:
This can be manifested in several ways, the most
important of which are:
a- Formation of political parties.

b- Demonstrations.
c- Industrial Action.
First: Formation of Political Parties
Despite the fact that the multiparty system is one of
the prominent features of traditional Western democracy,
there is much controversy as to its actual feasibility. One
writer states: “The multiparty system associated with
traditional democracy is in fact one of the primary means
of corrupting this very system and diverting it from its
goals and purposes. This is because those who join a
particular party are chiefly concerned with standing by
the opinion of their party and opposing the opinion of the
other parties, regardless of whether their adopted position
is in the public interest or not. Moreover, such a system
can ultimately assign a monopoly of power to the party
leadership represented by one person or a small group of
people, a matter that will render democracy as the rule of
a minority rather than that of the majority.” 24
Whether we accept this criticism or not, the multiparty
system remains a simple human experiment amongst many
others which may succeed or fail. If its shortcomings are
great, it may be necessary to look for other systems that
can guarantee popular political participation with fewer
shortcomings and defects.
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Second: Demonstrations
These are organized popular marches to show people’s
support or opposition for particular matters and is an
organized illustration of expression that has been adopted
by western democracies as a political right.
What has been mentioned in terms of criticism of
multiparty systems can also be said about demonstrations,
as they tend to cause chaos and disturbance in public life.
However, such demonstrations can be rendered
meaningless if religious and political awareness among
the public increases and leadership is assumed by shrewd
and insightful men who do not tolerate corruption and
chaos and, therefore, shun those who seek to fulfill their
own personal interests.
We believe that this is a realistic objective that is not
difficult to achieve.
Third: Industrial Action

This is synonymous to striking, which is the halting of
work at an establishment or plant due to the refusal of
employees to perform all or part of their duties at certain
periods of time. It is a means of applying pressure on
employers to meet workers demands, such as an increase
in wages.
Despite expectations that such action realizes workers
demands, its negative and positive impacts must be closely
examined.
Strikes may cause embarrassment and heavy losses
to the government, companies or establishments when
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workers’ problems can be solved in a far more mutually

beneficial and less harmful way.
Though the right to strike is present in article (8), of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia has expressed reservation over this article
and has rejected the strike legislation for the protection of
the interests of workers themselves, as well in the interests
of the national economy, so that it would not become a
tool in the hands of external, reckless saboteurs.25
Political participation is an undisputed right26, but its
means and mechanisms differ from country to country
due to various social, political and religious factors. Thus,
it is our belief that every nation has the right to adopt
the method of political participation it deems as being in
harmony with its culture, customs and traditions.
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Chapter (10)
Women
When it comes to the issue of women, there is always
a plethora of opinions; be it from scientists, philosophers,
jurists, legislators and politicians, some are critical, others
supportive and others neutral.
It is not uncommon for this topic to be the cause of
heated discussion and frivolous debate, so we will focus
on the subject solely from a political viewpoint, so as to
preclude digression.
Women in the Democratic System
The views of Western legal specialist philosophers

towards women have differed with respect to their general
view as well as in regard to a woman’s rights and duties.
1- Some have called for the exclusion of women from

the political arena and especially from voting and filling
public posts on the grounds that they are not qualified for
this due to physical and psychological weakness. They
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claim that it has been noted that experiments have proven

that women’s involvement in politics has been a failure.
2- Others see that women are well qualified for political

rights. They state that women have proven success in all
fields of life in general. They also quote laws that stipulate
equality between people, regardless of sex.27
3- In practice this matter is still very much at the

experimental stage in Western countries such as the United
States and France.
However, the general trend is towards granting more
political participation rights for women.
Women in the Islamic Political System
The most important fact to bear in mind here is that,

since the dawn of Islam, its view of women has remained
consistent and balanced.
In terms of consistency, the Muslim woman has been
granted her rights and her dignity has been preserved since
the very early days of Islam until the present day without
her or anyone else having to demand them, and without
there being a gradual process during which she was finally
given her rights.
This is in stark contrast with other religions, doctrines,
international laws and norms, which have passed
contradictory theories and practices, the effects of which
we witness across the globe.
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As for balance, it is sufficient for the reader to look at

Islam’s constitution, which is the Holy Qur’an and the
authentic Sunnah (which consists of the sayings and deeds
of the Prophet, peace be upon him) in order to realize this
truth.
Due to time and space constraints, it not possible to
expound upon all the shari’ah texts in this regard, but the
interested reader would find the following two publications
extremely interesting in this regard:
1 – Hijab, by Abu’l ‘Alaa Mawdoudi
2 – Almara’ bayn alfiqh walqanoon (Woman between
Fiqh and Law), by Dr. Mustafa Al-Subaei.
Moreover, whoever reads the biographies of Muslim
women during the era of the Prophet, peace be upon him,
and the righteous caliphs, will find the texts of the shari’ah
on this subject in application.
It is hoped that the objective reader would not take the
negative treatment of woman in certain Muslim countries
as a proof against the principles and ideals of Islam.
To return to the position of women in the Islamic
political system, the foundation of a woman’s work
is an educational and domestic one, and this is a noble
responsibility about which she will be held responsible for
in this life and questioned about in the Hereafter.
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Every one of you
is a protector and guardian and responsible for his wards
and matters under his care... and a woman is a guardian of
her husband’s household members and is accountable for
those placed under her charge.”
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However, she may work outside her home for one of the
following two reasons:
The first: If she or her family is in need for her to
do so.
The second: If the community is in need of her
experience and efforts.
Hence, a number of conditions should be met. The most
important of which are:
1- Her work should not result in any type of loss to her
children or family, as their interests take precedence.
2- She should be dressed in hijab and not expose her
beauty, as failure to do so may constitute a provocation of
corruption.
3- Her work should suit her physical structure and
personality and not be exhausting or a cause of defect to
her personality or dignity.
4- She should take all necessary precautions in
maintaining ideal values and morals and refrain from
all that which would lead to the damage of these values
such as intermingling with non-related men, laxity in
conversation, and traveling without a legal guardian.
Based on these conditions, all types of work that do
not suit the nature of women such as military service,
tough menial work, jobs with major responsibilities such
as the presidency or premiership of a state, the judiciary
and ministerial posts, are exempted from those posts that
could be assumed by women.
The evidence for this is that found in the incident of
a delegation from Persia coming to Prophet Muhammad,
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peace be upon him, and informing him that their King

had died and that his daughter had assumed power.
Upon hearing this, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
“A people who take a woman as their leader will never
succeed.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
Therefore, in light of all the above, women have full
political rights in the following areas:
1. Expressing opinions in agreement or disagreement.

2. Voting in elections.
3. Taking part in consultations.
4. Promoting virtue and preventing vice.
5. Assuming non-leadership posts or leadership posts
in the female community.
This is, of course, in addition to all other tasks in the
social and educational fields.
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Conclusion
Comparison between the Two Systems
After examining the characteristics of the Islamic

political system and its implementation in the Saudi
Arabian model, the reader may ask about the difference
between the Islamic system and the modern democratic
system prevalent in the West. Are they in accord, or do
they differ? And if so, then what are the causes of this
difference, and what is its extent?
This is indeed a very important matter as the two systems
have historical depths that have cast their shadows on the
modern era.
Comparison between two matters normally requires
presenting them in a balanced way so as to demonstrate
their similarities and differences, but we will ignore this
premise due to the assumption that the reader is well aware
of one aspect of the comparison, namely the democratic
system, due to his living under such a system.
The other aspect of the comparison, namely the Islamic
system, is rarely heard of by readers, and this is the reason
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behind the compilation of this brief study.

Despite the assumption of clarity of vision with regards
to democracy, the following remarks are stated, prior to
beginning the comparison.
1- If democracy means ‘people power’, then this is not

what exists in practice in the sense of people governing
themselves, for in such a case the same people would
concurrently be rulers and the ruled, which is unimaginable,
even in an ancient democracy.
To avoid such idealism, it can be asserted that what
is meant is therefore ‘majority rule’ or ‘parliamentary
democracy,’ or it might be said that it refers to equality
before the law.
2- Democracy in the words of Jamil Salibia is, “An ideal

system which people may dream of, but is not to be seen in
reality in any form. Any political system that considers the
will of the people as a source of the governing authority
is a democratic one. But in reality, the will of the people
is the will of the majority and here, of course, there is a
domination of one class over another.” 28
3- Hence, we find several interpretations for democracy

among legalists, researchers and politicians.
a- One interpretation is that it is “The sovereignty of the
people.”29
b- Another is that it is “Equality”30
c- A third is that it is the “Capability of the people to
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change their governors and their laws through free voting

and via their representatives.”31
4- Some think that the concept of democracy is one that

is evolving and subject to change, and that every period of
time and every culture has its democracy.32
5- A vital question is: Is democracy a doctrine that has a
philosophy regarding man, life, and the universe, or is it mere
mechanisms, programs and regulations for this life only?
Some people deem democracy as a philosophical
doctrine and not merely a political system33, while others
say that it is a political system that may be followed by a
social system. The following lines are an attempt to further
clarify this.
6- The democratic system is based on three principles:
The first: People’s sovereignty (People as a source of

power).
The second: Equality and justice.
The third: Personal freedom.34
Some add to this:
1- Supremacy of the Constitution.
2- Multi-party system.
3- Separation of powers.35
Comparison:
Based upon the aforementioned facts, it is clear that

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the two systems have aspects of similarity as well as of

difference.
First: Similarities
1- Honoring the human and preserving his rights.

This is patently clear and in no need of discussion or
evidence from either of the two systems.
2- Establishing the principles of justice and equality
before the law and in criminal penalties. This is also clear
from both systems, though they do differ in the definition
of some forms of justice and equality.
3- Freedom and choice in appointing rulers, whether
through elections or via selection from a group or of the
most suitable candidate, and then giving him pledge of
allegiance. All these ways and other similar ones give a
wide option for selection.
4- Political participation, through paying a pledge of
allegiance, contribution and giving sincere advice. This is
a phenomenon in the Islamic system, but the democratic
system applies the same thing, albeit in a different
manner.
5- Superiority of the Constitution. As mentioned
previously, this is one of the principles of democracy and
also of the Islamic system. However, the source of the
constitution in the former is the human being whilst in the
latter it is God, represented by His revelation. Moreover, in
Islam, and contrary to the democratic system, this source
cannot be altered, abrogated, or discarded.
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6- Separation of Powers. Though this is one of the

principles of democracy, it is not censured in the Islamic
system provided that there is cooperation between
authorities.
This is stated in article (44) of the Saudi Basic Law of
Governance, “Authorities in the State shall consist of:
- The Judicial Authority
- The Executive Authority
- The Regulatory Authority
And these authorities shall cooperate in the discharge of
their functions.”
Second: Differences
1- With respect to the relationship between religion

and the universe.
The Islamic system sees no contradiction between the

two. Religion is a comprehensive system of life and the
universe is the arena for applying this system, so they are
integrated into one system.
The Holy Qur’an states: “Our Lord! Give in this world
[that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is]
good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (2:
201). The verse combines the good of this world with that
of the Hereafter.
The democratic system presumes a contradiction
between the two and thus determines to separate them,
except in the personal and private life of man.
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If it was attempted to find a reason why Western man

or society has distanced the religion applied by the church
from public and personal life, it may be the case that the
cause is the ‘church religion’ being distorted and exploited
to such an extent that it no longer is a valid and viable
system for life.
The Islamic religion, on the other hand, maintains its
validity with complete vitality, dynamism and integrity,
and no Muslim would feel the slightest inconsistency
between the rules of his religion and the demands of his
life.
Hence, it is no surprise to see the close link or
integration between religion and this life in the Basic Law
of Governance. See articles (7, 8, 9, 13, 23, 48).
If it is asked if this separation between religion and
worldly life is a characteristic associated with democracy
or something causal, then the answer would be that it
appears not to be a characteristic or a feature of democracy
itself but it is rather something causal that arises due to the
illusory contradiction between religion and worldly life.
Therefore, the West can adopt religion, but only in matters
that do not contradict the principles of democracy.
2- With respect to People’s sovereignty:
This principle is deep-rooted in the democratic system

to the extent that people become the source of authority
(legislature, executive and judiciary). In the Islamic system,
the matter is not dissimilar with respect to executive and
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the judiciary, as they are human endeavors. The difference,

however, between the democratic system and the Islamic
one is the fundamental source of the executive and the
judiciary. In democracy, legislation is man-made, while in
Islam it is based on divine legislation (or revelation) and
then on ijtihad (derivation of rules from revelation), and
the law in such a way that does not contradict revelation.
Thus, the significant difference in sovereignty here lies
in the framework of the legislative authority.
If democracy grants this sovereignty to the people
or their representatives and allows them to prepare all
legislation without exception, Islam totally differs in
this matter as its principle is: “The Command is for none
but God.” (12:40) and “Surely, His is the Creation and
Commandment.” (7:54).
The Muslim nation, with its individuals and states,

believes in this principle and applies it in life. The Islamic
legislation represented by the Holy Qur’an and the sunnah
of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, has been
preserved and has endured throughout the centuries.
While discussing authorities, it was mentioned that

the legislative or regulatory authority in Saudi Arabia is
exercised through two channels:
The first: the technical channel, represented by shari’ah

scholars who exert their efforts in studying problematic
issues or developments and issue verdicts derived from
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Islamic legislation. This channel still provides different

opinions, researches and fatwa (Islamic legal opinion).
The second: the regulatory channel, represented by

the Shoura Council and the Council of Ministers. This
channel studies and ratifies laws according to the general
rules of the shari’ah.
Accordingly, there is a fundamental and invariable
legislation that should not be violated by any party,
whoever they may be.
Beyond this, there is free space that accepts interpretative
judgments, organization and codification.
3- Individual freedom: This is a non-disputable,

democratic principle.
In the freedoms chapter, light was shed on the concept
and types of freedom, and due to their importance, two
types of freedom were stressed upon, namely, freedom of
faith and political freedom.
Individual freedom has huge significance and is the
backbone of the democratic system, to the extent that it is
said that democracy is an individual doctrine that grants
the individual a wide area of movement that extends until
it clashes with the freedoms of others, where it necessarily
comes to a halt.
This doctrine is what entrenches and consolidates
capitalist principles such that capitalists become influential
decision-makers, despite their small number. They are
the only ones to actually benefit from this freedom while
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the majority remains unprivileged and has no role except

vacant voting in elections whose results have already been
directed towards the support and strengthening of the
position of these same capitalists, as well as strengthening
their principles and whims.
Due to the sacredness of this principle among supporters
of democracy, individual rights precede those of the nation
as a whole and the state, in their view, is necessarily evil
and therefore must be restrained from intervening in the
affairs of individuals’.36
As for individual freedom from an Islamic perspective,
Islam, which is a balanced way of life, establishes a
balance in its view of the individual and the community.
Each has full rights, and just as the individual has his
legal and social position, so too has the community. Just
as the individual deserves rights, the community too has
rights over its members. It is therefore necessary that there
should be controls over freedom, otherwise anarchy would
prevail, the weak would be humiliated and injustice would
be prevalent.
Finally, if this is the reality of the similarities and
differences in terms of the relationship between the two
systems, can it be said that this relationship is one of
similarity and rapprochement, with each system being
able to benefit the other, or is are they disconnected from
their origins, with absolutely no similarity between them
and the other?
There is doubt that the answer to this is not a simple one
due to the difference in fundamentals of both systems.
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The Islamic system is founded on belief in the unseen

and with a divine, preserved and a comprehensive shari’ah
with firmly established fundamentals, as expounded upon
earlier.
The democratic system on the other hand emanates
from materialistic thought and a mixture of different
philosophies, mainly:
1. The ancient Roman legacy.
2. The distorted, deformed legacy of the church.
3. Modern philosophical thought based on man-made
doctrine.
4. Modern urban materialism with all its luxuries and
technologies.
All this casts doubts on the possibility of an intellectual
exchange between the two systems. However, in spite of
all this we, from an Islamic perspective, believe that we
can benefit from the democratic system in its political and
administrative aspects that are related to human knowledge
and experiences. Its philosophical aspects, however, are
subject to reservation as they are inconsistent with the
philosophy of Islam.
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Endnotes
1. Minhaj Al-Islam fi Alhukm (Islam’s Method of Government), P.

38.
2. This hadith (Prophet Mohammed saying) is reported by both
imam Al-Bukhari and the imam Muslim in their collections
of hadiths. The collections of these two imams are the most
authenticated hadiths.
3. Mohammed Ziya Addin Al-Rayes. Annazaryat al-Siyasiya al-
Islamiya (Islamic political Theories), PP. 28-29.
4. See: Al-Sfahani. Al-mufradat fi Ghareeb Al-Quran (Dictionary
of the unfamiliar words in the Quran), P. 325.
5. Al-Fayoumy. Al-Misbah Al-Muneer (The Luminous Lamp ), P.
327.
6. Al-Muahrer Al-Wajez (The Concise Writing ) 3/280.
7. See:Al- Qalqashadi. Maather Al-inafa fi maalim al-Khilafa, by
1/41
8. Hader Alaalm A l-Islami (The Present of the Islamic World)
1/261
9. Abdul Moneim Alami. Al-Malik Al-Rashed (The Wise King), P.
382
10. Zarkali. Al-wajeez fi sirat Al-Malik Abdulaziz (A brief
Autobiography of king Abdulaziz ), P. 216.
11. Zarkali. Shibh Al-Jazeera fi Ahd Al-Malik Abdulaziz (The Arabian
Peninsula During the Era of King Abdulaziz ), 2/787.
12. Rajih Jumaa. Halat Al-Amn fi Ahd AlMalik Abdulaziz (Secuirty
Status in the Era of King Abdulaziz), P. 83.
109
of Saudi Arabia
13. See: Al-Qamoos Al-Siyasi (Political Dictionary), P. 784.

14. Ibn al-Qayyim. A’alam al-Mawkeyeen, 1/91.
15. They are nicknames for one name and if there is any difference it
is sometimes due to norms and traditions.
16. See Al-Mawrdai, Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniya (The Rules of
Government) by, P. 6
17. See: Hassan Kira. Al-Madkhal ila alqanoon (Introdcution to
Law), P. 232.
18. See: Hassan Kira. Al-Madkhal ila alqanoon, P. 431,and
Mohammed Zaki Abdu Bar. Al-hukm alsharei wa Al-qa’da
alqanoonya (The Divine Rule and the Legal Rule, P. 106.
19. Al-Tahreer wa Al-tanweer 17/166
20. Annihaya fi gharib alhadith 2/236
21. See, for example: Adam Mitz. Al Hadara Al-Islamiya (Islamic
Civilization), 1/384 and Gostaph Lobon. Hadarat Al-Arab (Arab
Civilization), P. 134.
22. Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniya, P. 32
23. Majalat Rabitat Alalam Al-islami (MWL magazine), December
1979, P. 158.
24. Yahya Al-Jamal. Alanzima assiysya almoasra (The contemporary
Political Systems), P. 22.
25. See: Majalat Rabitat Alalam Al-islami, December 1979, P. 159.
26. Political particpation: is the right of citizens to perform a certain
role in the deciosn-making process. In its narrowest meaning it
is the right of that citizen to monitor all these decisions through
assessment and control.” (Jala Muawadh- Azmat Almusharak
assiysiya fi alwatan alarabi (The Problem of Ploitical Particpation
in the Arab World), in: addimogratiya wa huquq alinsan fi alwatan
alarabi (Democracy and Human Rights in the Arab World), Arab
Unity studies Center, P. 63.
27. Abdul Hameed Al-Shurabi. Alhuquq assiyasiya llimaraa (Woman
political Rghts), , PP171-197.
28. Almujam alfalsafi (Political Dictionary) 1/570
29. Ibid 1/571
30. Mohammed Abed Al-Jabri. Addimogratiya wa huquq alinsan
(Democracy and Human Rights), , P. 18.
31. Khaled Mohammed Khaled. Difaa an addimogratiya (In Defense
110
of Saudi Arabia
of Democracy), P.22.
32. Al-Jabri. Addimogratiya wa huquq alinsan, ibid, P.14.
33. Abdul Hameed Mutwali. Alqanon addastouri wal anzima
assiyasiya (Constitutinal Law and Political Systems), P. 108.
34. Almujam alfalsafi (Pholosophical Dictionay), 1/570.
35. Alqanon addastouri wal anzima assiyasiya, P. 143, ibid.
36. Ibrahim Darweesh & Bakr Al-Amry. Dirasat alhakoomat
almoqarana (Comparative Governments Studies), P. 105.
111

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The Political System

Prof. Abdullah Al-Turaiqi

First Edition 2008

Chapter 1: Objectives and Purposes ........................................................ 14

Chapter 2: Features and Characteristics................................................ 19

Chapter 3: Foundations and Rules ............................................................. 22

Chapter 4: The Form of Governing System ................................... 38

Chapter 5: General Authorities of Government ......................... 42

Chapter 6: Rights and Duties ............................................................................ 56

Chapter 7: The Nature of the Ruler-Subject

Chapter 8: Monitoring and Inspection ................................................ 80

Chapter 9: Freedoms ................................................................................................... 86

Chapter 10: Woman ...................................................................................................... 94

Conclusion: Comparison between the two Systems ............. 99

Endnotes ....................................................................................................................................... 109

More than 1400 years have passed since the revelation

stem from the timeless Islamic shari’ah, whose relevance

it has an increasing number of opponents or competing

Literally, Islam means submission, peace and salvation.

and which, had it been revealed to us, we would have

3- Sir Thomas Arnold: “The Prophet (Muhammad) has

Objectives and Purposes

All things advance due to the nobility of their goals,

mentioned in the prelude.

2- Guiding to good and warning against evil

3- Preserving the religion through statement and

This is done via statements by explaining the rights

attribute falseness and evil to Islam.

5- Giving due care to others’ rights

6- Arranging the affairs of life

7- Preservation of public order

If we were to look for these objectives within the

human rights and public order.

Features and Characteristics

The Islamic political system is distinguished by a

“O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger

3- The permanent correlation and inseparable nature of

Foundations and Rules

The Islamic system of governance is based on solid and

The First Type: Ideological Foundations

we declare Your praise and sanctify You?’ He (God) said:

trustworthy, for these responsibilities and entrustments

3- Legislation is for God

4- Honoring the Human

system, is based upon this concept which is an Islamic

5- Unity of the Muslim Ummah (Nation)

wakefulness and fever.”

The Second Type: Constitutional Foundations

1- Fairness and equity

no party could otherwise receive that which it does not

3- Bay’ah (Pledge of allegiance)

a- The one selected for ba’yah must meet the Islamic

compliance and submission only come after understanding

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Every

The Third Type: Ethical Foundations

1- Advice, which is the sincere desire that the advised

2- Forbearance, which is facilitation and leniency

something, it adorns it; and whenever it is withdrawn

3- Mutual respect between the ruler and the ruled,

will note that since its establishment in 1743 by Imam

Let us start with the establishment of the Kingdom of

[the commission for the promotion of virtue and prevention

He who examines the broad policy of the Saudi state